State Economy
The population of the “Aloha State,” Hawaii is approximately 1.48 million people[1]. Hawaii is the 41st most populated state in the United States.
In 2022, Hawaii’s economy was ranked 40th in the United States in gross domestic product (GDP)[2]. The state’s economy is dependent on the tourism, defense, agriculture, manufacturing, and fishing industries[3].
Environment Policies
In 2001, Hawaii enacted a Renewable Portfolio Standard[4], requiring investor-owned utilities to sell 40% of their electricity from renewable energy by 2030, 70% by 2040, and 100% by 2045.
Power Generation Capabilities
In September 2022, utilities used petroleum (81.1 %) and renewable energy (18.9 %) to generate electricity in Hawaii[5]. Solar and biomass are the primary types of renewable energy used to generate electricity in Hawaii.
In September 2022, the average price for residential electricity in Hawaii was 45.69 ¢ per kWh, compared to the national average of 16.32 ¢ per kWh. Hawaii’s reliance on petroleum-fueled power plants contributes to the state’s high electricity costs.
Recent renewable energy developments in Hawaii include:
- 185 MW Energy Storage Project – California energy storage company, Plus Power is continuing work on the Kapolei Energy Storage project on the island of Oahu. The project is scheduled to be commissioned by June 2023.
- 120 MW Solar + Energy Storage Project – American renewable energy company, Longroad Energy is continuing work on the Mahi Solar and Energy Storage project on the island of Oahu. The project is scheduled to be commissioned in 2023.
- 60 MW Solar + 10 MW Energy Storage Project – American power company, AES is continuing work on the Kuihelani Solar and Energy Storage project on the island of Maui. The project is scheduled to be commissioned in 2023.
- 60 MW Solar + Energy Storage Project – French utilities Engie and EDF are continuing work on the Puako Solar and Energy Storage project on the island of Hawaii. The project is scheduled to be commissioned in 2023.
- 60 MW Solar + Energy Storage Project – Korean multinational company, Hanwha Energy is continuing work on the Kupehau Solar Plus Energy Storage project on the island of Oahu. The project is scheduled to be commissioned by year-end 2023.
- 42 MW Solar + Energy Storage Project – American power company, Bright Canyon Energy is continuing work on the Kūpono Solar project on the island of Oahu. The project is scheduled to be commissioned by June 2024.
- 40 MW Solar + Energy Storage Project – Longroad Energy is continuing work on the Pulehu Solar And Energy Storage project on the island of Maui. The project is scheduled to be commissioned by year-end 2023.
- 39 MW Solar + Energy Storage Project – In August 2022, California renewable energy company, Clearway Energy Group commissioned the Mililani I Solar project on the island of Oahu.
- 35 MW Solar + Energy Storage – AES is continuing work on the West Kaua‘i Energy project on the island of Hawaii. The project is scheduled to be commissioned by year-end 2025.
- 30 MW Solar + 30 MW Energy Storage Project – AES is continuing work on the Waikoloa Solar and Energy Storage project on the island of Hawaii. The project is scheduled to be commissioned by April 2023.
- 7 MW Solar + Energy Storage – AES is continuing work on the Mountain View solar plus energy storage project on the island of Oahu. The project is scheduled to be commissioned in 2023.
Conclusion
Hawaii like many island states or nations in the 20th Century, was dependent on imported oil and coal to fuel electric power plants. However, the threat of climate change has caused most island governments to dramatically reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by moving to renewable energy.
In 2000, Hawaii’s utilities used oil and coal as fuels to generate 92.1% of the state’s electricity[6]. In September 2022, state utilities used oil as fuel to generate 81.1 % of the state’s electricity.
On 24 February 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine, resulting in the United States, Canada, and the European Union placing embargos on Russian exports. The international price for crude oil increased by over 50% from May 2021 to May 2022. The Aloha State is now racing to develop new renewable projects due to volatile oil prices.
Jack Kerfoot
Website “Our Energy Conundrum”
www.jackkerfoot.com
Jack Kerfoot is a scientist, energy expert, and author of the book FUELING AMERICA, An Insider’s Journey and articles for The Hill, one of the largest independent political news sites in the United States. He has been interviewed on over 100 radio and television stations from New York City to Los Angeles on numerous energy related topics.
[1] Hawaii Population 2023, World Population Review
[2] U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Economic Analysis
[3] Biggest Industries in Hawaii – World Atlas
[4] National Conference of State Legislators – State Renewable Portfolio Standards and Goals, August 13, 2021
[5] .U.S. Energy Information Agency – Hawaii State Profile and Energy Estimates
[6] U.S. Energy Information Agency, Hawaii Electric Power Consumption Estimates 1960 – 2018