Critical to Hawai‘i’s sustainable energy future, geothermal energy – or heat within the earth – is a natural renewable resource because it is continuously being produced due to the gradual decay of radioactive particles in the earth’s core. The temperature of the earth’s core is as hot as the surface of the sun, and rocks and water closer to the surface absorb heat from magma deep underground, according to the U.S Energy Information Administration.

Geothermal energy is common around volcanic activity and tectonic plates in the Pacific, where hot magma is found near the earth’s surface. We can safely harvest geothermal energy when wells reaching deep into volcanic rock tap steam from reservoirs of geothermal fluid, which is used to turn turbines and generate electricity. In Hawai‘i, geothermal energy is an indigenous resource owned by the public and Native Hawaiians.

In 2024 the Hawai‘i State Legislature appropriated $6 million (ultimately reduced to $3 million) for an integrated geothermal development plan led by the Hawai‘i Technology Development Corporation (HTDC) under the Hawai‘i Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT). In partnership with the University of Hawai‘i Office of Research and Innovation and in consultation with experts and organizations led by Waikā Consulting, we are closer than ever to optimizing an integrated geothermal development roadmap for a 50- to 100-megawatt power station in Hawai‘i. Currently under consideration, Hawai‘i Senate Bill 1269 will help allocate additional funds to continue these critical efforts, with Waikā delivering a clear path forward for both geoscience exploration and commercial development.

To reach Hawai‘i’s goal of achieving 100% Renewable Portfolio Standards statewide by 2045 (2035 for neighbor island communities) under the Hawai‘i Clean Energy Initiative (HCEI), we must continue to replace oil and coal imports with a diverse mix of renewable energy sources such as wind and ocean energy, solar, biofuels, and geothermal power. Oil and coal imports make up over 80% of all energy used in Hawai‘i for electricity and transportation, according to Hawaiian Electric. This accounts for the state ranking the highest in the U.S. for its average electricity prices and energy insecurity. In 2024, the percentage of Hawaiian Electric generation from renewable energy was 30.8% on O‘ahu, 41.1% on Maui, and 58.7% on Hawai‘i Island. Geothermal accounted for just 19.1% of the total system generation mix on Hawai‘i Island.

Legislation currently under consideration in the State House and Senate will enable Waika, with DBEDT oversight, and in collaboration with its partners from New Zealand and the University of Hawaii Office of Research and Innovations, to identify and tap geothermal energy as a firm power baseload that will help realize Hawaii’s ambitious renewable energy goals.