Geothermal energy uses Earth's natural heat as an energy source to produce electricity & make the Earth greener. You can find the use of geothermal energy near areas of volcanic activity, such as the Big Island. This specific type of energy is very unique because it's found in very few places. Using Earth's natural heat for electricity makes us one step closer to keeping the Earth healthy.
It began in 1881, when King David Kalakaua & his Attorney General were talking with Thomas Edison about the possibility of using Hawaii's volcanoes as power to produce electricity. They would use it to light Hawaii's capital & transfer it to other islands by submarine cable. Believe it or not, they made this dream become a reality.
The exploration for geothermal energy in Hawaii began in the 1960s. In the year 1976, the first geothermal well that produced steam was drilled in Hawaii. The same well, known as HGP-A, finally began to produce electricity in 1982. This was meant to only last for two years. The plant ran for eight years before shutting down at the end of the year 1989. Over that period of time, the well produced 15-19 million kilowatt hours of electricity per year. This electricity was sold to the Hawaii Electric Light Company for use by electric consumers on the big island.
From 1982-1990, a 500 megawatt geothermal/interisland submarine cable project was under consideration. About $26 millon was expended in studies, design, engineering, fabrication, and testing for what was called the Hawaii Deep Water Cable Project. The design criteria stated that the cables would have to be able to take on the stresses of at-sea deployment, the environment under sea, and to reliably conduct electricity for thirty years. Over 251 different cable designs were considered. Tests included labratory and at-sea cable deployment tests. The cable didn't prove to be economical, while shown to be technically feasible through the research. Cost proposals for commercial installation of the cable showed that the project couldn't be supported without significant government help, which were not possible at the time.
The production of geothermal energy has contributed toward greater energy diversification on the island of Hawaii. I want to know if this energy source will harm the Earth & other living things on this planet. The state's policy currently supports geothermal energy production on the Big Island exclusively for use on that island. This is proof that if I or anyone has a dream, with a little hard labor, it could become a reality.
It is great how you explained the history and explained how geothermal enegy has changed over time--it goes well with the caused and effect explanation. Although, it would be even greater if you explained how this energy is processed and how it is made.
ReplyDeleteJANELLE,
ReplyDeleteThe intorduction is very specific i like how you made a specific plave where it could be found .
I liked how you mixed historical information with the cause and effect of your essay. It really helps understand your essay more.
In the last paragraph, I thought it was pretty cool how you said "this is proof that if i or anyone had a dream, with a little hard labor, it could become reality,
Other than that, I wished you had told us howthe process of geothermal energy is made even just a little.
HI Janelle,
ReplyDeleteFirst, a comment on your commentary...you need to do more in your comments. Please use Czarina and Korie as examples. Their comments are thorough and accurate. General comments to a writer are not much help in revision and I expect more from all of my students in this critique assignment.
Then, on your essay :)
You have info on the history of geothermal energy in Hawaii. But I can't tell what's been revised since the draft. At that time, I recommended you think about your topic in relation to cause and effect, rather than just giving the history of its development. I don't see that revision here.
Let me know if you have questions.
mrs s