No End in Sight: Hawaii's Kilauea Volcano Eruption Could Threaten Geothermal Plant
The Big Island of Hawaii is still under threat from the Kilauea volcano. Authorities are especially concerned about how flowing lava could affect Puna Geothermal Venture (PGV), a plant that provides at least one-quarter of the Big Island's daily energy needs via geothermal wells.
Gov. David Ige said Tuesday that authorities are monitoring the flow of lava and the threat to the plant.
He said that ten wells have been cooled with cold water to counter the pressure from rising volcanic steam. One other well was plugged with mud.
"We do believe that all 11 wells are stable and the risk to the uncontrollable release of hydrogen sulfide has been mitigated," he said.
Since the eruption began May 3, sulfur dioxide emissions have more than doubled. The air, especially in the southern part of the island, is increasingly dangerous.
Authorities have already forced more than 2,000 people to evacuate.
A spike in the level of gases in the air could lead to a mass evacuation as could a problem at the plant.
"If we really felt that the plant was at risk of being overrun and could trigger a well being exposed, then that's when we would order the evacuation," said Ige.
Lava has already destroyed nearly 50 buildings including dozens of homes.
About The Author
Heather Sells covered wide-ranging stories for CBN News that included religious liberty, ministry trends, immigration, and education. She’s known for telling personal stories that capture the issues of the day, from the border sheriff who rescues migrants in the desert to the parents struggling with a child who identifies as transgender.
Heather joined CBN News in 2005 after reporting and producing in local television news markets across the country. She holds a master's degree in Public Affairs Reporting from the University of Illinois-Springfield and a B.A. in political science from Wheaton College in Wheaton, IL.
Heather served in Honduras with her family from 2001-2002, volunteering with a local church and non-profit organizations. She’s a long-time Young Life committee member and advocate and enjoys spending time with her husband and adult children.
