Ormat Techn. testing volcano as power source in Hawaii

Alexander Richter 24 Feb 2009

In a short news item from Hawaii, it is talked about the possibility of using a volcano at Hualalai Volcano for a geothermal power supply to West Hawaii.

Hualalai is “the third-most historically active shield volcano on the Hawaiian island, with its peak at 8,300 feet (2,500m) above sea level”, so Wikipedia. It is located on the island of Hawai’i, the Big Island.

“Geologists from Ormat Technologies Inc., which produces geothermal power in East Hawaii, have begun a year of studies to find the answer. Drilling, if any, would be at midlevel, said engineer Paul Spielman with Ormat in Reno, Nev. Drilling high would force energy explorers to go through more rock, he said.
If useful heat is found, getting permits would take years.

Geologists looked at minerals and carbon dioxide in water wells, possibly dissolved by hot water, Spielman said. Tests are “inconclusive,” he said. A state study in 2000 found a 35 percent probability of heat in Hualalai. “We’re in the very preliminary stages of exploration,” Spielman said.”

Source: Honolulu Star Bulletin