Puna geothermal plant reaches 30% of capacity after restart in late 2020
Drilling rig at Puna Geothermal Power Plant, Big Island, Hawaii (source: betterplace.com)
Alexander Richter
17 Jan 2021
The Puna geothermal power plant in Hawaii has reached around 30% of its installed capacity following the step-by-step restart of the plant in November 2020.
During a a community meeting held virtually this week in Hawaii, Puna Geothermal Venture reports now producing 11.5 MW of geothermal power, as reported by Hawaii Tribune Herald. This follows the restart of the plant in November 2020 following the eruption of a nearby volcano in 2018.
The lava flow from the eruption disrupted the operations, destroyed a power substation and covered some geothermal wells and road access.
With the capacity now operating, the plant has reached around 30% of its capacity. With a new well to be connected, the capacity could then reach 15 MW later this spring. The full capacity installed at the plant represents 38 MW.
The company had announced changes to the existing power purchase agreement with the local utility, but this is still under review by the utilities commission. If approved, this could then add another 8 MW that would bring the total capacity up to 46 MW.
Source: Hawaii Tribune Herald
