develoPmeNt overview of Geothermal resources iN Kilauea east rift zoNe

AbstrAct This study reviews the geothermal resources associated with the Kīlauea East Rift Zone (KERZ) of Hawaii island by focusing on a holistic development strategy for additional geothermal production. A review of existing literature in the fields of geology, drilling, power production and policy challenges, highlights critical issues for geothermal enterprises. A geological assessment of the hydrology, geochemistry, and structural features that characterize the region is discussed. Available data are interpreted including geology, geochemistry, well depth and temperature. A power plant design is proposed and options for electric power and direct use are discussed. Changes in regulations, policy and cultural barriers, made relevant by a 1991 well blowout are discussed. A stakeholder engagement process based on environmental and cultural metrics is proposed in order to benefit the neighboring community. summAry In this overview, it is assumed that near term geothermal development on the island of Hawaii will occur in the Puna district. The research group is a multi-disciplinary systems integrator and consulting partnership. Core skills are in drilling, mining engineering, geology, geophysics, power plant engineering, direct use, permitting, and community development. Geothermal exploration operations will most likely be costlier in the future thus more robust drilling operations will be necessary. With magma flows continuing from the caldera at Kīlauea, and a comprehensive geophysic research capacity at the University of Hawaii, the basaltic geology and geochemistry are fairly well understood. Geothermal plant siting will continue to rely on a sensitive cultural and environmental balance. Thus, policy, compliance, CSR, and power plant operations must become more transparent and community focused. A sustainable development strategic approach is recommended to guide further development. This paper summarizes the technical response to a request for proposals (RFP) from an investment group considering a second power plant in the Puna district where Ormat already has a functioning 38 MWe grid connected operation