The Hawaii Geothermal Project : initial phase II progress report

Management - Coordination - John W. Shupe Geophysical Program - Augustine S. Furumoto Engineering Program - Paul C. Yuen Environmental-Socioeconomic Program - Robert M. Kamins Drilling Program - Gordon A. MacdonaldPhase I of the Hawaii Geothermal Project (HGP) consisted of a two-year study on the potential of geothermal energy for the Big Island of Hawaii. It was primarily a geological and geophysical survey program, with supporting activity on the engineering, economic, environmental, legal, and regulatory aspects of geothermal development. One conclusion from Phase I was that an experimental drilling program was essential to verify predictions regarding subsurface conditions. Preliminary results looked sufficiently encouraging to warrant the expenditure of funds (Federal, State, private) to drill the first experimental geothermal well in the Puna area of the Big Island, and Phase II got underway. HGP Well No.1 was dedicated in the Hawaiian tradition on November 22, 1975. In the remarks presented at the ceremony by Dr. John M. Teem, who at that time was the top administrator for geothermal energy in ERDA--the Energy Research and Development Administration, he commented favorably on the breadth of participation in the HGP by the University, the utility company, and State, County, and Federal authorities; and was optimistic of the spinoff in technology from this project to the national geothermal effort. Dr. Teem cautioned that "....the outcome of this project cannot be predicted with confidence;" but that in any case "..... we see this project as filling an important void in our geothermal planning matrix." Now that we are two months into the drilling program, the attitude continues to be one of continuous optimism. The bulk of this progress report was prepared by the program directors and their research staffs: Geophysical Program--Augustine S. Furumoto Engineering Program--Paul C. Yuen Environmental-Socioeconomic Program--Robert M. Kamins Drilling Program--Gordon A. Macdonald The preparation of this report coincides with a joint meeting of the national and local advisory committees in Hilo, Hawaii, on February 27-28, 1976. Five ERDA officials will be in attendance, and a thorough review of the drilling program and of overall HGP objectives will be conducted. We look forward to this meeting as providing focus and direction to the future development of geothermal energy in Hawaii. John W. Shupe February 12, 1976Energy Research and Development AdministrationNational Science FoundationState of HawaiiCounty of HawaiiHawaiian Electric Compan