In Vanuatu the developer of the Takara geothermal power project in North Efate has got approval from the Department of Environment to start drilling.
The Australian company, Geodynamics Limited, has been exploring two sites in the area.
The acting director for environment, Trinison Tari, says this first phase drilling will determine if there is sufficient heat extracted to be able to turn a generator turbine.
He says if the result is negative then the project will not go ahead.
