Bioenergy Master Plan
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The Hawaii Natural Energy Institute has established a website - http://www.hnei.hawaii.edu/bmpp/home.asp - to provide information and updates on the project. Your interest and input are welcome.
Hawaii Bioenergy Master Plan 2009
Executive Summary
Table of ContentsPart 1 - Overview
Part 2 - Perspectives on the Bioenergy Industry
(Issue Report Exec Summaries and Recommendations)Part 3 - Potential and Actions
Part 4 - Conclusion
Volume II - Issue Reports
2.2 Distribution Infrastructure
2.10 State, County, and Federal Plans, Policies, Statutes, and Regulations
Volume III - Stakeholder Comment
The Bioenergy Master Plan - Progress Report to the Legislature (DBEDT; 39 pages; 887 kb) provides a status report as of December, 2008, and an outline of the approach to be taken in 2009 in developing the final report for transmission to the Legislature by the end of December, 2009.
On September 5, 2008, in conjunction with the 2008 Agriculture Conference, an all-day event entitled "Bioenergy Master Plan: A Conversation with Hawaii’s Agriculture Sector" was held at the Hawaii Convention Center. Presentations may be downloaded or viewed on-line.
The Kickoff Meeting for the Development of the Bioenergy Master Plan was held on May 21, 2008. Presentations may be downloaded or viewed on-line.
Input and suggestions were requested from the community.
We welcome your thoughts, suggestions, and comments; please provide your input via email to bionrg (at) hawaii.edu.
Thank you!
Bioenergy offers both great opportunities and great challenges. The importance and complexity of the area require the development of an intelligent and realistic bioenergy master plan which incorporates the input of the many experts, visionaries, landowners, and farmers dedicated to the well-being of our state.
In addition to the opportunity to use our own resources to displace a portion of our future energy needs, bioenergy resources could help Hawaii to meet the renewable energy requirements contained in State statute; support the agricultural sector; increase in-state energy supplies; and keep more of Hawaii’s energy dollars circulating in Hawaii’s economy. Liquid and solid fuels from biomass resources - from waste streams, agriculture, or aquaculture - are similar in portability and energy density to fossil-based fuels. Biofuels could complement the use of intermittent energy sources such as wind and solar power, since liquid and solid fuels can be stored for use when the sun is not shining or the wind is not blowing.
There may also be synergies between bioenergy production and the production of food, feed, fiber, or pharmaceuticals. Hawaii projects or farmer cooperatives may be able to attract research funding and project investment.
However, issues relating to land use, water use, and crop selection need to be discussed; information on conversion technologies, costs, incentives, risks, and current plans need to be considered; and local sources of information and expertise need to be identified.
Your participation is encouraged.
