GOVERNOR LINGLE ANNOUNCES HISTORIC PLAN TO UTILIZE SOLAR POWER AT 12 LOCATIONS AROUND STATE

For Immediate Release:  January 9, 2008

HONOLULU – Governor Linda Lingle today announced an historic plan to develop large solar power arrays at 12 locations around the state, highlighting her Administration’s commitment to developing renewable energy in Hawai‘i and her mandate that state government lead by example.

Under the plan, the state Department of Transportation (DOT) – Airports Division is soliciting proposals from private companies to develop photovoltaic systems that could generate as much as 34 megawatts of electricity at 11 DOT sites, as well as the Hawai‘i Foreign-Trade Zone in downtown Honolulu. The DOT plans to have all 12 systems completed and operational within the next 24 months.

“This is one of the largest, if not the largest, state government solar initiatives in the nation,” said Ted Liu, director of the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism.

A 34-megawatt photovoltaic system will reduce Hawai‘i’s need for approximately 130,000 barrels of fuel oil per year and would generate enough power to supply about 9,000 homes per year.

“Our Administration is committed to developing renewable sources of power to reduce our reliance on imported oil, increase our energy independence and stabilize energy costs,” said Governor Lingle. “Constructing large solar power arrays at DOT sites and in downtown Honolulu capitalizes on one of Hawai‘i’s most abundant natural resources and produces energy without polluting the environment. This project also shows that state government is leading by example in the critical areas of energy and the environment.”

The plan is based on a public-private partnership where private companies construct the photovoltaic systems and then enter into an agreement for the state to purchase all power produced for a minimum of 20 years. This allows the state to avoid construction and operating costs while also establishing a stable, long-term power budget. There are also substantial benefits for the private sector.

“Any private company would be able to reduce project costs by taking advantage of state and federal energy tax credits not otherwise available to government agencies,” Liu said.

The project originated when the DOT researched possible renewable energy sources for Kona International Airport in order to take advantage of the location’s year-round sunny weather to help reduce electricity costs. The solar power project was then expanded to other DOT sites and installation work is now scheduled at DOT facilities at Honolulu, Kalaeloa, Kahului, Līhu‘e, Moloka‘i and Lāna‘i airports; Honolulu and Nawiliwili harbors; and DOT Highway Division district offices on O‘ahu and Kaua‘i.

The “Lead by Example” initiative is part of Act 96, which was signed by Governor Lingle last year and reaffirms the state’s responsibility to establish a secure energy and economic future for the people of Hawai‘i.

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For more information, contact:

Ted Liu 
Director, Dept. of Business, Economic Development and Tourism 
Phone: (808) 586-2355 

Brennon Morioka
Acting Director, Department of Transportation
Phone: (808) 587-2150

Lenny Klompus 
Senior Advisor – Communications 
Phone:  (808) 586-7708 

Russell Pang 
Chief of Media Relations
Phone: (808) 586-0043