Hawai`i Clean Energy Initiative

Governor Linda Lingle and U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Alexander Karsner signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish the Hawai’i Clean Energy Initiative, a long-term partnership designed to accelerate the transformation of Hawai’i into one of the world’s first economies based primarily on clean energy resources. 

The goal of the Hawai‘i Clean Energy Initiative is to use renewable resources – such as wind, sun, ocean, geothermal, and bioenergy – to supply 70 percent or more of Hawai‘i’s energy needs by 2030.  This will reduce the state’s dependence on imported oil and help bring energy price stability to Hawai‘i consumers.

“This innovative, unprecedented partnership builds on the progress the state has made to increase energy independence by decreasing Hawai’i’s reliance on imported oil,” said Governor Lingle, who previewed the historic agreement last week in her State of the State Address.  “Our islands’ abundant natural sources of energy, combined with the considerable capabilities of the Department of Energy will help Hawai‘i lead America in utilizing clean, renewable energy technologies.”

• Watch this signing ceremony and view the Memorandum of Understanding.
• Read the news release and the Hawai`i Clean Energy Initiative Executive Summary.