Energy
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Hawai'i is the most oil-dependent state in the nation, and relies on imported petroleum for about 90% of its primary energy. Most of this oil comes from foreign nations, with a growing percentage from the Middle East. Hawai’i residents pay among the nation’s highest prices for electricity and fuel.
HAWAI'I CLEAN ENERGY INITIATIVE
Charting a New Course toward Energy Independence
The Hawai‘i Clean Energy Initiative (HCEI) is leading the way to energy independence for Hawai‘i. Formed in 2008, this partnership between the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the State of Hawai‘i aims to help transform the way we meet our energy needs.
Our goal is to meet 70% of our energy needs with clean energy by 2030. That’s a lot to achieve within one generation, but it can be done if we all work together.
Learn more about HCEI.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY & CONSERVATION
| Energy efficiency saves energy and money. Information and guidelines -- specifically tailored to Hawai'i's climate -- have been developed for homeowners, schools, building owners, architects, engineers, facility operators, State government, and others. Below are areas in which the State is promoting energy efficiency: |
Hawai'i is the nation's recognized leader in solar water heating, accounting for over one-third of all systems installed in 2008, according to a study by the Solar Energy Industries Association. Hawai'i's significant renewable energy resources include: solar, wind, biomass, geothermal, hydropower, ocean wave and ocean thermal energy.
Below are a few examples of what the State is doing to promote renewable energy. To learn more about renewable energy, check out the Hawai'i Clean Energy Initiative's Renewable Energy webpage.
- Interisland Cable Project
The State of Hawai'i is currently discussing the construction of an undersea cable system to transmit electricity between the islands from renewable energy resources, such as wind. This cable could save Hawai'i taxpayers approximately $5.7 billion over 20 years by not purchasing two million barrels of imported oil annually. - Vehicles
Of all the energy consumed by Hawai'i, 40% is used for transportation purposes. The State of Hawai'i is promoting the development of alternative fuel vehicles and electric vehicles (EVs) in an effort to help reduce Hawai'i's dependence on imported oil. The State is also working to create infrastructure, such as EV charging stations, to support these vehicles.
Hawaii EV Ready Rebate and Grant Programs
Rebates and grants will be available for electric vehicles and electric vehicle chargers in Hawaii. The grant program is for partnerships to install electric vehicle chargers; applications are due July 26, 2010. Rebates will be available for electric vehicle and charger purchasers beginning in August.
- Transportation Fuels
Fuels for our vehicles include gasoline and diesel; blends such as E10 Unleaded and B20; and alternative fuels such as E85, biodiesel, LPG, hydrogen, and electricity. - Hydrogen
Hydrogen can be used as a fuel for fuel cells or in internal combustion engines. It can be produced from water, using renewable sources of energy such as solar, wind, geothermal, wave, or biomass. Hydrogen can also be produced from liquid fuels, such as gasoline and alcohol fuels. - State of Hawai'i's HI-Way to Economic Recovery
A portion of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) is dedicated to funding clean energy projects that will reduce utility bills for households and businesses and create more “green” jobs. All positions will be federally funded with ARRA funds.
Hawai'i's energy policy seeks to ensure dependable, efficient, and economical energy; increased energy self-sufficiency; greater energy security; and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
- Energy Data & Planning
Energy planning considers Hawai'i's unique resources, challenges, and opportunities in accordance with the State's energy policy. Data is also collected and analyzed for Hawai'i's energy supplies, prices, and energy use. - Greenhouse Gas Emissions Task Force
In 2007, a State law was passed with the intent of mitigating the effects of global warming. This law (Act 234) calls for the amount of greenhouse gas emissions in Hawai'i, caused mostly by fossil fuel-based electricity generation and transportation uses, to be reduced to or below 1990 levels by the year 2020. - For additional energy policy resources, check out the websites below:
Hawaiian Electric Company
Kauai Island Utility Cooperative
Public Utilities Comission
SAIC
The Gas Company
Tesoro
Chevron
U.S. DOE - Energy Information Administration
Energy Emergency Preparedness (EEP) provides organization and general planning guidance for emergency management, and helps coordinate rapid restoration of Hawai'i's energy systems, including renewable energy. On a daily basis, EEP tracks storms, tsunamis, and homeland security briefings which could impact energy supply and delivery.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Publications
Over 100 on-line publications provide in depth information on energy technologies, resources, policies, plans, and projects of interest in Hawai'i.
Upcoming Events
Throughout the year, there are several energy-related workshops, conferences, and meetings open to the public.
The 10th Annual Build and Buy Green Conference and Expo - 7:30am to 4:30pm, May 5, 2010. Hawaii Convention Center, 1801 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96815.