The US territory of American Samoa is gearing up to launch $2.3m drilling program for geothermal energy in a bid to cut down dependency on diesel.

According to the authorities, the territory spends $60m to $80m per year on fuel, based on import costs.

The government in collaboration with American Samoa Renewable Energy Committee has planned to launch aggressive exploration initiative to reduce dependency on fuel imports.

The main geothermal source is anticipated to be on the territory’s main island of Tutuila, according to Associated Press.

American Samoa Renewable Energy Committee director and chairman Timothy Jones stated that the group would launch the project in 2014 with drilling of first test wells.

The project comprises drilling of three 6,000ft test holes in search of heat and steam, added Jones.

American Samoa, meanwhile, is seeking funds from federal government to develop renewable energy projects.

Jones, however, revealed that the company would turn to solar and wind energy projects should this exploration fail.

Solar and wind energy projects are said to be underway.