ThinkGeoEnergy – Geothermal Energy News

Work on Puna geothermal plant continuing with commercial start not before beginning of 2020

Puna Geothermal Venture hopes to be able to have its Puna geothermal power plant on Hawaii operational by year-end 2019 with an expected start of commercial operation by early 2020.

During a recent community meeting, representatives of Puna Geothermal Venture, operator of the Puna geothermal power plant in Hawaii report that they are continuing their work toward recovery. The plant was shut down during the eruption of a local volcano in May 2018.

During the eruption a substation was destroyed and a few geothermal wells were covered by lava. An access road that was cut off has since been restored. Otherwise the plant was lucky and did not see significant damage to the plant and facilities.
A lof of work on the way to recover operations still needs to be done, so plant manager Jordan Hara during a meeting reported by the Hawaii Tribune Herald.

One of the production wells is currently be cleaned out. It might even be necessary to drill additional wells, for which the company has required permits. The plant currently has five injection wells and six production wells from a depth of 1,200 to 2,400 m (4,000 – 8,000 feet).

Plans stand for the plant to be operational by year-end of 2019 with PGV at that time be able to try run and test the equipment. For overall commercial operation, a new substation is required, which will not happen until 2020.  The grid connection with HELCO has though been reestablished.

Source: Hawaii Tribune Herald

Exit mobile version