Residents on the remote island of Hachijojima, about 290 kilometers south of Tokyo, plan to use geothermal power to make their unlikely locale a model for clean energy in the 21st century. Geothermal power utilizes the energy of super-heated magma and is considered "clean energy" because it does not produce carbon dioxide. On the other hand, it is more costly than solar- or wind-powered generators and not as productive as thermal and nuclear generators. The geothermal plant will begin operating as early as March 25 and officials are confident that any extra costs incurred will be more than offset by positive environmental considerations.