by Krystal Paco

Guam - We've heard of solar energy, we've heard of wind energy, but another means of alternative energy is making a splash on island. Cotherm of America Corporation innovator and managing director Ted Jagusztyn is hoping to make waves on island with his patent for drilled hydrothermal energy.

The technology, which uses the same techniques to drill for oil, could drill for seawater to power up the island for 90% less than what we pay today. "You drill down a thousand meters or 3,000 feet and you get very cold water it's 39 degrees Fahrenheit or if you prefer Celsius its 4 degrees and then you also drill to the surface or underneath the surface and you get very warm water and Guam is one of the best places in the world to get energy from temperature difference," he explained.

Looking at a world map, Jagusztyn points at coastal areas along North and South America as well as Australia that could also benefit from the alternative means to obtain energy. But he intentionally skips over the island state of Hawaii. "Everyone thinks that Hawaii is the best place, but that's not true. It's because they lose their surface temperature so they have the cold water but the secret is to have both...the sun has given Huam the greatest energy potential."

Not only could drilled hydrothermal energy make electricity, but also cool our homes using cold water to produce air conditioning use the rich nutrients from the cold, deep waters to generate biofuel, and the power generated from the temperature difference to make hydrogen fuel.

Ultimately, a self-sustaining island.

He said, "So essentially Guam could be energy independent by drilling for seawater not laying pipes in the ocean like was proposed before but drilling for seawater to be energy independent by 2030."

But how much would it cost to power up the island using water electricity?

It's too soon to say but early estimates for the Navy to pilot the program on island come at $2,000 a foot to drill a 21-foot tunnel. "What I'm proposing to the Navy to do a technoeconomic analysis at the Naval Base Guam. I think Naval Base Guam is the most perfect place in the world because you have a customer they need power they need cooling and they need fuel," he said.

While on island, he's also met with the Guam Power Authority, the University of Guam, and today met with Guam Environmental Protection Agency.