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Geothermal Energy Potential - University of Hawaii at...
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Geothermal Energy Potential Hawaii Energy Policy Forum HCEI Briefing & Policy Dialogue March 30, 2011
Transcript of Geothermal Energy Potential - University of Hawaii at...
Geothermal Energy
Potential
Hawaii Energy Policy Forum
HCEI Briefing & Policy Dialogue
March 30, 2011
Potential significant contribution to clean energy future
• Hawaii Island
Already important
– 13-18% of electricity distributed by HELCO is geothermal
Additional large untapped potential
• Maui
Untapped potential
• Statewide
Could be significant
If islands’ grids were connected
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Diesel
Fuel oil
Naptha
Hydro
Wind
Geothermal
Solar
Geothermal 17%
HELCO electricity distributed in 2010
Resource data have not been updated
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• Research from 30+ years ago
U.H., USGS & other researchers
Not comprehensive in all areas with
potential
• Exploration technologies have
advanced
• Summarized in “Assessment of
Energy Reserves & Costs of
Geothermal Resources In Hawaii”
2005 report to DBEDT by
GeothermEx, Inc.
HCEI assumes increased geothermal generation
• Assumes conservative 102 MW
To be used on island where it’s produced
Big Island: 60 MW (currently permitted)
Maui: 42 MW assumed (30% of its mean capacity)
• Meeting HCEI goals will assure that greenhouse gas goals are also met
Geothermal emits essentially 0 greenhouse gases
Displaces CO2 from fossil fuel power plants
• Presently, geothermal is reduced at night
30 MW capacity not fully used
Possible solution: load shifting; increase off peak demand
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HELCO’s generation portfolio
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Estimated Geothermal Reserves in Hawaii
Rift Zone Minimum Capacity (MW) Mean Capacity (MW)
Lower Kilauea E Rift 181 438
Upper Kilauea E Rift 110 339
Lower Kilauea SW Rift 64 193
Upper Kilauea SW Rift 68 201
Mauna Loa SW Rift 35 125
Mauna Loa NE Rift 22 75
Hualalai 7 25
Hawaii Island subtotal 488 1396
Haleakala SW Rift 20 69
Haleakala E Rift 18 70
Maui subtotal 38 139
Other islands -- --
State total 526 1535
Source: GeothermEx 20056
Does not mean a
reservoir can be
economically or
responsibly
developed!
“Reserves” =
recoverable heat
anticipated to be
present at drillable
depths.
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Estimated costs of new geothermal electricity
• Calculated to be appx. $0.08 / kWh from a new 30-MW plant (in 2005)
Assumptions
– Capital costs $2500-$5000 / installed kW
– O&M costs $0.04-$0.06 / kWh
– Initial drilling costs $4 million - $9 million / well
Source: GeothermEx, 2005
• How would new geothermal be financed?
Possible role for public funds in resource assessment
– E.g., ARRA is supporting Maui exploration
Drilling, power plant development: private investment
PPA needed with utility
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Challenges to geothermal expansion
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• Market
Presently limited to single island grid
– Interisland cable?
Presently limited by lack of off-peak demand
– Develop alternative markets?
o Liquid fuel: ammonia, hydrogen
o Direct use of heat
o Electric vehicles
Competitive bid needed (utility RFP)
– If > 3 MW on Maui, Hawaii
• Knowledge of resource
Exploration outside of KERZ minimal
More challenges to geothermal expansion
• Regulatory / permitting issues
New / expanded subzones?
County geothermal resource permits
Conservation district use permits
Environmental studies
Mining leases, surface leases
Clean air permits
Well / injection well permits
• Public acceptance
Health, environment, culture
Controversial in past
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Other work of interest: Downhole Heat Exchanger test
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• At Malama Ki well,
Puna
• Q: Can useful heat
be extracted for ag &
similar purposes from
the warm subsurface
water?
• A: Flow is fairly high,
but warm water layer is
too thin
Work done by Oregon Institute of Technology, 2007
Other work of interest: Direct (non-electric) Use
• Community Geothermal Technology Program, 1987-89
Small grants to entrepreneurs through DBEDT / HNEI / USDOE
Demonstrations used geothermal steam or heat, including:
– Fruit drying
– Lumber drying
– Cloth dyeing
– Greenhouse heating
• Feasibility Study of Geothermal Direct Use, 2007
County of Hawaii R&D contract, USDOE funding
Potentially viable enterprises
– Greenhouses
– Pasteurization of potting media
– Biodiesel production
– Lumber kilns
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Geothermal is an important part of renewable portfolio
• Geothermal energy is significant now on Big Island
• Cost is competitive
Less than imported oil
Less than many other renewables
• Additional geothermal can be developed
Reserves on Hawaii, Maui
However, exactly how much & where is unknown
• Alternative markets could play a role
Liquid fuel
Electric vehicles
Direct use of heat
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