Search

Natural thermal areas have been described, recorded and surveyed throughout the Fiji islands. The greatest population and energy requirements are on the island of Viti Levu. Geothermal resources there have not been investigated further because of the existence of inexpensive hydro power. However, on the other main island of Vanua Levu, very little hydro power can be found, but the hottest geothermal fields are located there. The highest assessed subsurface temperatures occur on Vanua Levu (maybe 160°C), and there are industries that could use process heat, whether or not the resources are suitable for electrical power generation. A 1994 consultants' report reviewed the information available in the areas of Savusavu and Labasa on Vanua Levu, and recommended a deep drilling programme to allow measurement of reservoir conditions down to 800 meters. Slimhole technology is the preferred method with three holes to be drilled on each area at an estimated cost of approximately US$2.5 million.

Taken from:R.Autar, "Potential geothermal development in the Pacific Islands", Bull. GRC, Feb. 1996, pp.59-62

A Hypertext Document by Li Bellucci, Marnell Dickson, and Mario Fanelli