Hawaii It has learned to dominate its volcanoes and has found something unusual inside. A scenario that especially reflects the reality that Iceland experiences, where the volcanoes generate 90% of the country’s geothermal energy. The geothermal energy It is a type of energy of volcanic origin that consists in using the internal heat of the Tierra. It is obtained by extracting water from the subsurface at high temperatures, which creates heat energy or can be used for the production of electricity.
According to those responsible for the extraction of geothermal energy As they approach the planet’s core, the temperature increases significantly because there is more pressure and gravity, and less distance from the core of molten metal that represents the center of the planet. Tierra.
For this reason, it is possible to find several deposits of boiling water underground that can be released and brought to the surface, creating important steam jets, geysers and thermal waters that have been used by people since time immemorial to meet to human needs. different objectives.
The presence of these types of deposits is very common in areas of high volcanic activity. This form of energy is popular because it comes from a renewable source. Geothermal plants are usually installed in these deposits that release water and steam, which are used to produce electricity or extract and divert heat. They then reinject the water into the well at normal temperature to ensure continuity in the cycle.
In addition, there are other methods to achieve this, such as heating by geothermal pumps, which uses gas or boiling water from underground to heat houses or entire buildings, or to air-condition greenhouses and agricultural drying plants.
Hawaii locates two regions dominating volcanoes (with geothermal potential)
They identify two new regions Hawaii con geothermal potential. He Permitted Geothermal Interaction Group (PIG) on behalf of the Hawaii Housing Commission has been the one to intercept two new potential geothermal spaces Humu’ula in Maunakea and Upper Kawaihae in Kohala, Hawaiibeing Don’t eat it better accessible by road. These two points host geothermal activity that can be used for electricity production.
He Geothermal PIG was created to analyze and propose strategies for geothermal development in areas dependent on the Department of Hawaiian Homelands (DHHL). A relevant fact for this report was that the indigenous peoples who own this energy resource are part of the development process and will receive a fair share of the economic benefits of the project.
He PIG expressed his agreement with this DHL Partner with a private area with industry experience and financial capabilities to develop potential geothermal points on your land.
The proposal considers two alternative models: a public-private partnership or a land lease with a royalty-based concession. DHL would contribute to this company with political support for the project and the provision of cultural competence, relations with indigenous communities and consultation with beneficiaries. Hawaii cherishes the geothermal power plant Puna Geothermal Venture (PGV). Work is underway to expand capacity. They want it to go from 38 MW to 46 MW.
Hawaii has learned to control its volcanoes: it found geothermal energy in them
It should be noted that the geothermal installation Puna from Puna Geothermal Ventures from Hawaii It resumed operations in September 2020. A strong volcanic eruption that occurred on the island in 2018 destroyed part of the infrastructure, although the factory remained, allowing activity to recover after two years.
Meetings were then held to inform neighbors and the local community about the status of the project. He The Puna Complex is located on the Big Island, Hawaiiin a privately rented space. This complex consists of two power plants that use combined geothermal and binary systems in combination with air cooling.
Now that these projects are in progress, Hawaii It has learned to dominate its volcanoes, packed with geothermal energy. A context that gives importance to this new (and strange) energy source discovered in volcanoes.