Noi'i o Puna: Geothermal Research in Hawaii

Abstract

Noi'i 0 Puna - The Puna Research Center (PRC), located on the grounds of the HGP-A p e r plant site in Puna, Hawaii, was dedicated on August 24, 1985. Research projects, supported by the U.S. Department of Energy (USDOE), State, County, utility, and the private sector have been initiated in the areas of geothermal reservoir engineering, silica utilization, and corrosion of materials. An international geothermal applications workshop was held in Hilo, Hawaii the day before the dedication to discuss co1111113n problem and methods of solution by cooperative research. The three main categories addressed were process chf3mistry design, reservoir engineering, and agriculture/aquaculture applications. The workshop identified haw PRC might be used for these research purposes. The advantages provided by EW include the availability of non-proprietary information, an operational p e r plant with adjacent laboratory, proximity of private wells, the Fellows in Renewable Energy Engineering program, and strong support from the State, County, and utility. A second workshop is in the planning stages to follow through on the remmndations and will be held in the Orient next year. The Cornrmnity Geothermal Technology Program, featuring projects conducted by individuals and companies in the local m m i t y , has been funded and will actively initiate projects this month. This program received matching funds from the USDOE, County of Hawaii and the private sector.