Hawaii Island hosts the state’s only commercial geothermal plant and it produces nearly 20% of the island’s total electricity needs.
Puna Geothermal Venture (PGV) began operations in 1993 and was acquired by world leader Ormat Technologies in 2004. PGV sells its electrical output to Hawaii Electric Light Company under power purchase agreements. The facility’s 38 MW generating capacity includes noise reduction enclosures, small-footprint design, near-zero emissions, 100% geothermal fluid reinjection and monitoring measures.
Expedited geothermal exploration is underway on Hawaii Island to expand this firm energy source. If successful, new production plants could place generation closer to a major load center, reducing transmission losses and the need for cross island transmission lines.
Photo courtesy PGV
