Hawaii poised for 100% sustainability once geothermal energy is tapped
The Ring of Fire is notorious for producing a multitude of major geologic events, such as volcanic eruptions and earthquakes, but it is also the world’s largest source of geothermal energy. Much of the energy remains untapped, often due to the difficulties in harvesting the power underwater. In Hawaii, however, geothermal energy could help the state attain 100% sustainability.
Hawaii lies nestled in one of the most seismically active regions of the world. It lies in the heart of the so called “Ring of Fire,” a literal, massive ring surrounding the Pacific Ocean region where tectonic plates separate.
The Ring of Fire is notorious for producing a multitude of major geologic events, such as volcanic eruptions and earthquakes, but it is also the world’s largest source of geothermal energy. Much of the energy remains untapped, often due to the difficulties in harvesting the power underwater. In Hawaii, however, geothermal energy could help the state attain 100% sustainability.
At a recent government-sponsored conference in Hilo, Hawaii, the Hawaii County Geothermal Working Group released the results of a new report concerning the geothermal resources of the state. The report notes that there is enough geothermal potential in the state to push it over the point of complete sustainability when combined with wind, solar and hydrogen power. The current power demand in Hawaii is between 90 and 185 megawatts annually.
