Puna Geothermal Venture Repower Project Approved to Enhance Renewable Energy Production

Project Overview and Objectives

The Hawaiʻi Public Utilities Commission has approved the long-anticipated Repower Project by Puna Geothermal Venture (PGV), enabling the geothermal plant to increase electricity production while reducing emissions and lowering energy costs for customers. This initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Upgrading Generating Units

1. Current Infrastructure: PGV operates 12 generating units installed in 1991 and 1993, which have been in service for over 30 years.
2. New Installation: The project will replace these with three modern, more efficient generating units.
3. Capacity Increase: The new units will produce 46 megawatts, up from the current 38 megawatts.

Impact on Renewable Energy and Emissions

• Renewable Energy Contribution: The upgrade will increase renewable electricity generation on Hawaiʻi Island to 68%, up from nearly 59% as of 2024, supporting SDG 7.
• Emissions Reduction: The project will reduce the geothermal plant’s emissions footprint through improved efficiency and reduced equipment size, contributing to SDG 13.
• Lifecycle Emissions: A study by the Hawaiʻi Public Utilities Commission confirmed the project’s greenhouse gas intensity will be among the lowest for renewable energy projects in Hawaiʻi.

Economic Benefits for Customers

Hawaiian Electric Co. projects that the average residential customer consuming 500 kilowatt-hours per month will experience a monthly bill reduction of $23.62 due to the enhanced efficiency and capacity of the new generating units, supporting SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).

Technical and Environmental Considerations

• Geothermal Energy Utilization: PGV harnesses volcanic heat stored beneath the Earth’s surface to generate electricity, a sustainable energy source aligned with SDG 7.
• Operational Efficiency: The new units will require less rotating equipment and piping, resulting in reduced noise and lower potential geothermal emissions.
• Environmental Assessment: PGV is currently conducting an environmental assessment and preparing the land for equipment installation, ensuring compliance with environmental standards (SDG 15 – Life on Land).

Project Timeline and Community Engagement

1. Project Approval: Achieved in 2025 after ongoing efforts since 2022.
2. Implementation: New equipment is planned to be operational by the end of 2026.
3. Community Updates: PGV will continue to provide quarterly updates and public meetings to maintain transparency and community involvement, supporting SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).

Additional Resources

For more information and access to past and upcoming public meetings, visit the Puna Geothermal Venture website.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • The article discusses the upgrade of geothermal energy production, increasing renewable energy supply and reducing energy costs.
2. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • The project aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and has one of the lowest greenhouse gas intensities among renewable projects in Hawaiʻi.
3. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • The installation of modern, efficient generating units reflects innovation and infrastructure improvement.
4. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Reducing noise and emissions contributes to healthier communities.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • Target 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
   • Target 7.3: Double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency.
2. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into policies and planning.
   • Target 13.3: Improve education and awareness on climate change mitigation.
3. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • Target 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency.
4. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including air quality and waste management.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Percentage of electricity generated from renewable sources
   • The article states an increase from 59% to 68% renewable energy on Hawaiʻi Island, which can be tracked as an indicator.
2. Greenhouse gas intensity of energy production
   • The lifecycle emissions study indicating low greenhouse gas intensity serves as an indicator for climate impact.
3. Energy cost savings for consumers
   • The $23.62 monthly decrease in electric bills for average residential customers reflects affordability improvements.
4. Efficiency improvements in energy generation
   • Replacing 12 old units with 3 modern units producing more power with less equipment and emissions implies improved energy efficiency.
5. Reduction in noise and emissions footprint
   • Less noise and fewer emissions are qualitative indicators of environmental and community impact.

4. SDGs, Targets and Indicators Table

Source: bigislandnow.com