Geothermal Resources in the Pacific Islands: Potential for Power Generation to Benefit Indigenous Communities

Abstract

The nations and territories of the southwest Pacific depend greatly on imported fossil fuels for electricity generation, and have interest in utilising their renewable energy resources (including their untapped geothermal resources) for cost effective power production and direct-use applications. As part of the international Energy Development in Island Nations (EDIN) programme, the New Zealand Ministry of Research, Science and Technology commissioned GNS Science in 2009 to review the geothermal activity, socio-economic climate and energy demand profile of 20 selected Pacific Island nations and territories, with our findings detailed in this paper. Eight countries/territories were identified as having “high” or “high-moderate” potential for geothermal resource utilisation, with a prioritisation list of Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, Samoa, Tonga and Northern Mariana Islands selected for detailed investigation, with recommendations for future pre-feasibility geoscientific exploration, risk evaluation (i.e. for resource capacity, hazard and financial modelling), and assessment for small (including “off-grid”) plant development. (Fiji, New Caledonia and Solomon Islands were identified as having high-moderate potential, but were not considered for further study).