Hawaii Geothermal Project: initial Phase II progress report

Technical Report · Sun Feb 01 00:00:00 EST 1976

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/5265743· OSTI ID:5265743

Results of Phase I of the Hawaii Geothermal Project (HGP), which consisted of a two-year study on the potential of geothermal energy for the Big Island of Hawaii, are reviewed. One conclusion from Phase I was that preliminary results looked sufficiently encouraging to warrant the drilling of the first experimental geothermal well in the Puna area of the Big Island. During the first two months of drilling, parallel activity has continued in all research and support areas. Additional gravity, seismic, and electrical surveys were conducted; water and rock samples were collected; and analysis and interpretation of data has proceeded. Earlier work on mathematical and physical modeling of geothermal reservoirs was expanded; analysis of liquid-dominated geothermal systems continued; and studies on testing of geothermal wells were initiated. An environmental assessment statement of HGP No. 1 was prepared and baselines established for crucial environmental parameters. Economic, legal, and regulatory studies were completed and alternatives identified for the development of geothermal power in Hawaii. Early stages of the drilling program proceeded slowly. The initial 9 7/8-inch drill hole to 400 feet, as well as each of the three passes required to open the hole to 26 inches, were quite time consuming. Cementing of the 20-inch surface casing to a depth of 400 feet was successfully accomplished, and drilling beyond that depth has proceeded at a reasonable rate. Penetration below the surface casing to a depth of 1050 feet was accomplished at a drilling rate in excess of 150 feet per day, with partial circulation over the entire range.

• Research Organization: Hawaii Univ., Honolulu (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: EY-76-C-03-1093
• OSTI ID: 5265743
• Report Number(s): TID-28022
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY
GEOTHERMAL WELLS
WELL DRILLING
HAWAII
GEOTHERMAL EXPLORATION
HOT-WATER SYSTEMS
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
RESERVOIR ENGINEERING
KILAUEA VOLCANO
GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS
DESIGN
DIAGRAMS
ECONOMICS
ELECTRICAL SURVEYS
ENGINEERING
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
GEOTHERMAL ENERGY
GEOTHERMAL POWER PLANTS
GRAVITY SURVEYS
LEGAL ASPECTS
OPTIMIZATION
RESEARCH PROGRAMS
SEISMIC SURVEYS
SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTORS
DRILLING
ENERGY
ENERGY SOURCES
EXPLORATION
GEOTHERMAL SYSTEMS
HYDROTHERMAL SYSTEMS
NORTH AMERICA
POWER PLANTS
RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES
THERMAL POWER PLANTS
USA
VOLCANOES
WELLS
Geothermal Legacy
150301* - Geothermal Exploration & Exploration Technology- Geophysical Techniques & Surveys
150303 - Geothermal Exploration & Exploration Technology- Exploratory Drilling & Well Logging