wiredinUSA August 2014

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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?