Options and questions for direct use in Puna, Hawaii

Abstract

"Several options for the development of geothermal direct use enterprises in Puna, Hawaii have been identified, including: 1) tapping waste heat from the Puna Geothermal Venture (PGV) power plant; 2) extracting heat from unused, existing exploratory wells; and 3) drilling new shallow wells to the top of the aquifer. Shallow (less than 305 meters deep) wells drilled in Puna during exploration for both potable water and geothermal resources indicate a low-temperature resource near the top of the aquifer, at or near sea level. However, PGV is currently injecting waste fluids at 150° C; waste heat from this source could be made available for direct utilization, obviating the need for new production or injection wells. Several scenarios for developing heat for direct uses are explored, along with their regulatory ramifications. Unanswered questions relating to the application of State and County laws and regulations are noted."

Includes map -- "Wells in Lower Puna"