Hawaii Moving to 70 Percent Renewables by 2030

Hawaii Moving to 70 Percent Renewables by 2030



Feb, 2008  - Rich in sun and wind, Hawaii is 
on track to become one of the world's first economies based on clean 
energy resources under a long-term agreement signed today by 
representatives of the state and federal governments. The agreement sets a 
goal of using renewable resources such as wind, sun, ocean, geothermal, 
and bioenergy to supply 70 percent or more of Hawaii's energy needs by 
2030. 
Hawaii Governor Linda Lingle and Alexander Karsner, U.S. Department of 
Energy, DOE, assistant secretary for energy efficiency and renewable 
energy, today signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish the Hawaii 
Clean Energy Initiative. 
The goal is to reduce the state's dependence on imported oil and help 
bring energy price stability to Hawaii consumers. 
Hawaii gas prices are the highest in the nation. AAA and the Oil Price 
Information Service say the national average is $2.98 a gallon. In Hawaii, 
it's $3.50 a gallon, up 56 cents from a year ago. 
Another goal of the initiative is to curb climate change. In 2007, Hawaii 
became the second state in the nation, after California, to establish a 
cap on greenhouse gas emissions. 
"This innovative, unprecedented partnership builds on the progress the 
state has made to increase energy independence by decreasing Hawaii'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 Hawaii 
lead America in utilizing clean, renewable energy technologies." 

"Through this unique initiative, DOE is pleased to commit its technical 
and policy expertise and capabilities to help demonstrate reliable, 
affordable and clean energy technologies in Hawaii," Assistant Secretary 
Karsner said. 
DOE will focus on working with public and private partners to design 
cost-effective approaches for 100 percent use of renewable energy on 
smaller islands. 
Systems will be put in place to improve stability of electrical grids 
operating with variable generating sources, such as wind power plants on 
the Island of Hawaii and Maui. 
Renewable energy, including solar, wind, energy storage and advanced 
vehicle technologies will be integrated into existing systems to meet the 
islands' energy needs. 
At new large military housing developments, energy use will be minimized 
while energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies will be 
maximized. 
Hawaii's capability to use locally grown crops as byproducts for producing 
fuel and electricity will be expanded. 
And comprehensive energy regulatory and policy frameworks to promote clean 
energy technology use will be developed. 
"With an abundance of natural resources and environmental treasures, 
Hawaii is the ideal location to showcase the broad benefits of renewable 
energy at work on an unprecedented scale," said Karsner. 
"Hawaii's success will serve as an integrated model and demonstration test 
bed for the United States and other island communities globally, many of 
which are just beginning the transition to a clean energy economy," he 
said. 
The partnership will provide technical assistance and technology program 
support for projects that draw on technologies developed through a range 
of DOE research and development programs. 
The Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative will also tap the expertise of other 
federal agencies, including the U.S. Departments of Agriculture and 
Defense, national research laboratories, and research and development 
entities, as well as the private sector. 

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