The Hawaii Energy Self-Sufficiency Plan

Colloque « Politique européenne de l'énergie pour les îles et les Régions »
2000-2005-2010-2015-2025-2050

At one time, biomass (sugar industry) provided nearly 25% of the electricity produced in the State. The demise of the industry means that fossil fuels, mostly petroleum, now run Hawaii. No nuclear options are being pursued.

We have, though, over the past three decades served as the national sustainable resources laboratory to develop renewable energy. We tested the first large wind energy conversion system built, the Boeing 2 MW WECS, and installed the first Westinghouse and Mitsubishi wind farms. Alas, being first means you are serving as the guinea pigs, so wind development stalled following the general difficulties we suffered. The good news is that new developments, after a decade of waffling, are finally beginning to be announced.

At one time Hawaii had the highest solar water heater per capita figure in the nation, and was at the top of the curve in photovoltaics facilities. Tax incentives helped, and they continue to stimulate the business. However, concentrated solar systems had high maintenance problems, and are not today a factor here.

We were the first to produce net positive ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC), and served as the site for most of the experiments on this alternative, expending almost $200 million. The $100 million Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority industrial center on the Big Island now hosts more than 25 companies producing commodities using deep ocean water. NELHA stimulated the development of at least ten similar ocean laboratories in Japan.

The Big Island is also home to an energy storage center, using hydroelectric, battery and hydrogen options in a systems network linked to the grid. A hydrogen powerpark is being built on this island, and a wide-range of applications is foreseen. Honolulu is home to a major Department of Defense fuel-cell facility in cooperation with Hawaiian Electric Company, with leadership provided by the Hawaii Natural Energy Institute of the University of Hawaii.

Geothermal energy is also available on Hawaii, and expansion is contemplated. Total product alternatives are being reviewed for Hawaiian geo-spas, silica for artworks, and various industrial processes which need heat.

The Island of Kauai has shown interest in becoming the Iceland of the Pacific, as the founder of the national hydrogen program, U.S. Senator Spark Matsunaga, was born there. Hawaii Representative Mina Morita from that island is advancing this cause.

Regarding the future, Solar Sea Power is exploring the potential of siting off Oahu a floating 100 MW power station to sell electricity and freshwater to the local utilities. Deep ocean water is already being utilized for air conditioning in the state.

The presentation will review the history of renewable energy development since the 1973 energy crisis, summarize current energy conditions, and project future directions.

Fiche :	N° 68
Organisme proposeur :	Hawaii Natural Energy Institute
Pays :	ETATS UNIS