Big Island geothermal celebrates 15 years

The company taps the might of Kilauea volcano to generate electricity, providing nearly one-fifth of the Big Island's power.

PGV is looking to increase production by eight megawatts of power. That would up the company's total capacity to 41 megawatts.

Lieutenant Governor James "Duke" Aiona says geothermal production fits with Hawaii's clean energy initiative. It calls for the state to knock down its fossil fuel consumption to 30 percent.

PGV's plant sells 30 megawatts of renewable energy to Hawaii Electric Light Company on a continuous basis. That provides nearly 20 percent of the Big Island's electricity needs.