Hawaii Geothermal Project: initial Phase II progress report

Technical Report · Sun Feb 01 04:00:00 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)
• OSTI ID: 5265743
• Report Number(s): TID-28022
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

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