Hawaiian officials on Monday said they were responding to reports of lava from the Kilauea volcano nearing the Big Island's geothermal plant, which could result in the release of dangerous gases and mandatory evacuations. The Puna Geothermal Venture, known as PGV, is a "geothermal energy conversion plant bringing steam and hot liquid up through underground wells," according to the Hawaiian Electric Company. HAWAII VOLCANO CREATES TOXIC STEAM CLOUDS AS CORROSIVE AS DILUTED BATTERY ACID"The hot liquid (brine) is not used for electricity at this time. "The exhaust steam from this turbine is used to vaporize (heat) an organic working fluid, which drives a second turbine, generating additional electricity." The volcano has been generating earthquakes and spewing lava, sulfur dioxide and ash since it began erupting in Big Island backyards on May 3.

Source: Fox News May 22, 2018 05:26 UTC