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wiredInUSA - August 2014

35

An Australian company is hoping to use

thermal power from a Solomon Islands

volcano to provide electricity to the country’s

capital, Honiara.

Savo Island’s volcano last erupted more than

100 years ago but steam escaping from its

vents can often be seen fromHoniara, on the

much larger island of Guadalcanal where

power failures are not uncommon.

If the project is successful, power will be

delivered to Honiara via a 14km undersea

cable between the two islands.

The Brisbane-based Geodynamics Ltd and

its joint venture partner Kentor Energy Pty

Ltd told the Australian stock exchange that

the granting of development consent by

the Solomon Islands government follows a

review of their environmental and social

impact assessment and their environmental

management plans.

“The next key step for us is to undertake

exploration drilling on the island to prove the

existence of a geothermal reserve capable

of supporting the project,” Geodynamic's

chief executive officer Geoff Ward said.

“Our initial exploration studies have identified

a resource in excess of 30 megawatts

potential on Savo Island,”MrWardcontinued.

“That would be enough to supply all of

Honiara’s demand and a significant part of

its future demand.”

At present most of Honiara’s power comes

fromdiesel generators, and fuel imports make

up about 20 percent of the Solomon Islands’

total import bill.

ASIA / AFRICA NEWS

Volcano power?

INDEX