Hawaii's geothermal and deep water cable programs

Abstract

"Hawaii's dependence on imported fuel oil for over 90 percent of its energy needs can be minimized by exploitation of the State's abundant indigenous energy resources. Geothermal power offers the best prospect for providing a significant baseload alternate to oil-fired electrical energy. However, the largest resource is on the Island of Hawaii which is separated by a substantial distance and extreme ocean depths from the State's load center on Oahu. No high voltage direct current electrical transmission cable has ever been installed under these conditions. This paper presents an overview of geothermal development in Hawaii and some details of the ongoing Hawaii deep water cable feasibility program to provide the necessary energy bridge."