Tag: geothermal plant

Hawaii’s Kilauea Volcano Major Explosion Warning, As Lava Entered Ocean (TTM) ~ May 25, 2018


Hawaii’s Kilauea Volcano Major Explosion Warning, As Lava Entered Ocean Blue flames burning in the lava from Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano are raising new fears of explosions.

Emergency officials say if fissures open west of Pahoa, lava could block the one remaining open highway. If that happens, about 1,000 people would have to be helicoptered to safety, reports CBS News’ Mark Strassmann. Residents are also eyeing another disturbing development.

After three weeks of gawking at images of bright red lava bursting skyward, the Big Island’s focus has shifted to something blue and worrisome: blue flames that indicate the presence of methane gas. Methane gas is a result of the lava burning plants and trees. Scientists say it can trigger explosions if ignited while trapped underground. “It’s the first time, maybe the second time I’ve seen the blue flames thing. It’s very dramatic, very eerie,” geophysicist Jim Kauahikaua said.

For now, Kilauea seems to have spared a threatened geothermal power plant. But in communities like Leilani Estates, fountains of nearby lava threaten more homes and there are also spots where officials worry about widening cracks. ________________________________________________________________________________

Hawaii power plant shuts down after lava from Kilauea volcano flows onto site (PHOTOS, VIDEO) ~ May 22, 2018


Thanks to RT for this sory!!

A geothermal power plant has been forced to completely shut down after Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano entered a more violent stage, shooting fountains of red into the vicinity and threatening the release of toxic gases from the site.

Crews at the Puna Geothermal Venture (PGV) plant worked overnight to cap the 11th and final well at the site, which provides 25 percent of the Big Island’s power.

The wells run 6,000 to 8,000 feet (1,829-2,438 meters) underground to tap into extremely hot water and steam used to run turbines and produce electricity.

The wells run 6,000 to 8,000 feet (1,829-2,438 meters) underground to tap into extremely hot water and steam used to run turbines and produce electricity.

May 21, 2018 Lava Burns Homes from Mick Kalber on Vimeo.

The capping is the latest measure to be taken at the plant, which has been closed since Kilauea first erupted on May 3. Authorities previously removed the highly flammable chemical pentane from the site.

“County, state, and federal partners have been collaborating closely to monitor the situation and work with PGV to ensure the safety of the surrounding communities,” county officials said, as quoted by Reuters.

Kilauea has entered a more violent stage which has seen larger amounts of molten rock oozing from the ground and traveling a further distance. Its most recent eruption took place at around 6pm local time on Monday.

Lava began hitting the Pacific Ocean over the weekend, creating yet another hazard for the Big Island’s residents. That hazard is known as ‘laze,’ a mix of hydrochloric acid, steam, and fine glass particles which is created when hot lava hits the cooler sea water. It can cause lung, eye, and skin irritation, and even death.

At least 44 homes and other structures have been destroyed as a result of Kilauea, and 2,000 people have been ordered out of their homes. A man was also seriously injured on Saturday, after a plate-sized chunk of molten rock shot out of a fissure and struck him on the leg.