Vítor Fraga announces beginning of geothermal energy prospecting works on Terceira Island in June
The new phase of the geothermal energy prospecting works on the island of Terceira will start in the month of June, announced the Regional Secretary for Tourism and Transport during a visit to that island on the World Day of Energy.
Vítor Fraga revealed that, following a decision of the Council of the Government, "EDA will continue the geothermal energy prospecting works to check if there are sufficient resources to move forward with the geothermal project."
This prospecting work "begins next month" and represents an investment of 1.2 million Euros.
"If the availability of resources is confirmed, as we expect to happen, we will begin the construction of a geothermal power plant on Terceira next year. Initially, the power plant will enter into operation with a power of three megawatts, corresponding to an investment of 10 million Euros," stated Vítor Fraga.
After the completion of this process by 2017, "we plan to increase the power of this plant by seven megawatts, which will allow us to have a penetration rate of renewal energies on Terceira Island over 50 percent."
Vítor Fraga recalled that in order to reach this stage, it was necessary to carry out prospecting works, which are currently at "a final stage." The government official added that their conclusion is necessary "otherwise we will never know for sure if the project may evolve into effective energy production with commercial potential."
"Both the Government and EDA intend that this process be carried out as fast as possible, because it will bring advantages to us all," stressed the Regional Government. The government official said that from the moment when this power plant enters into operation, should there be the resources available, "EDA will benefit from it, since its production will be reduced, and the Region itself, with the reduction of its dependency on fossil fuels."
For Vítor Fraga, "this is a process that is to be decided" as we must assess "whether there are the necessary and sufficient resources to move forward with an effective energy production."