HELCO answers criticism with new timeline for geothermal tender
Volcanic vent on the Big Island in Hawaii, U.S. (source: flickr/ geofiz, creative commons)
Alexander Richter
25 Haz 2014
The story about new geothermal plans in Hawaii take another turn with local utility HELCO now issuing a new timeline for an RFP for geothermal power after harsh criticism from various angle, including legislators, following a failed and much debated earlier RFP.
The geothermal story in Hawaii continues with Hawaii Electric Light Co.(HELCO) now issueing a new timeline for approving another geothermal power project for Hawaii Island after harsh criticism, as reported by local Hawaii News and previously here on ThinkGeoEnergy.
In a letter to the public uilities comission (PUC) earlier this month, the utility company said it will seek to complete its evaluation process of bids Feb. 14, with an executed agreement available for regulatory review by the end of April.
That will provide time for bidders to provide a “best and final offer” that, in part, allows for lower cost bids to be submitted.
It also will follow completion of an updated Power Supply Improvement Plan (PSIP), scheduled for Aug. 26.
All of this began in 2011 when HELCO started to look into adding 50 MW more of geothermal energy. It submitted a request for proposals in February 2013. Each proposed 20-year agreements.
Constant delay have happened due to HELCO stating that none of the bidders meet their demands which is considerably slowing the process.
In its response to current criticism, HELCO provided the new timeline as well as requirements for best and final offers.
HELCO also noted it will not model a 50-MWt geothermal facility in its PSIP because of risks, including lava inundation, of concentrating facilities on Kilauea’s east rift zone.
If a 25-MWt project is approved, the amount of geothermal power generated in that area would be approximately 63 MWt. Puna Geothermal Venture near Pohoiki is the only existing source of geothermal power in the state.
Source: West Hawaii Today Website
