Sustainable Energy Expert – Geothermal Bill in US Senate Offers Hope for Energy Security

This story is loosely related to the current problems at Puna Geothermal Venture.  Over the past few months, the Hawaii Electric Light Company has been promoting the idea of further geothermal exploration in the Puna District. If the U.S. Senate Geothermal Bill gains traction, look for more local pressure  to develop geothermal resources as a hedge against rising crude oil prices.  Although geothermal has its own problems (see story about PGV’s temporary shutdown on Wednesday), it may be one way to wean ourselves from unreliable and diminishing oil supplies.  One thing is for sure:  getting oil to run our industries and electric grid will become a losing proposition in the years ahead.  Electricity rates will increase to offset the cost of importing foreign oil for our energy needs.  Geothermal may not deliver on its promise of safe, renewable power, but it is at least a useful beginning.  Aloha, Russ.