2007-02-20 03:24:41 · 6 answers · asked by washingtonian3 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Earth Sciences & Geology
They are exploiting geothermal energy, just only on the big island.
2007-02-20 03:37:04 · answer #1 · answered by Johnny 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
"At the present time, a single facility on the lower east rift zone of Kilauea volcano produces 20-25 megawatts of geothermal energy (about 20-25% of the island's energy). Because of permitting delays and opponents to geothermal development on the island (which went on for a few years) this facility was very costly to bring on line. There are no plans to build a second plant at this time. Geothermal energy remains a controversial topic on the island. Opponents view the steam, magma, and lava as sacred (part of Pele's body). Others believe the plant impacts the nearby rainforest. Others argue that the power plant is noisy and a health hazard.
For more information contact:
Geothermal Resources Council
P.O. Box 1350
Davis, CA 96517-1350
(ask for info on Puna Geothermal Venture in Hawaii)"
Read this article for more info.: Hawai'i and Geothermal - What Has Been Happening? http://geoheat.oit.edu/bulletin/bull23-3/art4.pdf
2007-02-22 02:49:16 · answer #2 · answered by compaq presario 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What makes you think that they aren't?
The big island of Hawaii gets about 20% of its electricity from geothermal sources. There's a 25-30 megawatt geothermal generator there.
People in the rural areas often have solar panels and live "off the grid."
2007-02-20 11:35:37 · answer #3 · answered by Vegan 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hawaii does use geothermal energy, check these links and the other half million google has turned up!
Being comprised of 3 active volcanoes, it would be a bit daft of them not to!!
2007-02-20 11:41:35 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm not sure they're not using it at all but how d you think will they transport iron and coal and all such raw materials on the mineral-poor island that's a huge distance from the U.S. mainland.
2007-02-20 11:47:32 · answer #5 · answered by Nishaant 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
how do you propose they do that?
2007-02-20 11:32:54 · answer #6 · answered by dreamoutloud2 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋