Benefits of Biofuel Production in Hawaii
Hawaii is the first state to set the admirable goal of operating all electric grids statewide on 100% renewable energy by 2045. This goal requires an entire revamping of Hawaii’s energy matrix and strategic investments in renewable energy technologies. To achieve this goal, the state has begun aggressively reducing its dependence on fossil-fuel burning power plants and making positive shifts toward local, renewable energy resources, including biofuels, solar, wind, and other technologies. By the end of 2017, 30% of the state’s energy came from renewable energy sources, which sets a promising path towards achieving 100% renewable energy by 2045. Studies have shown that renewable energy sources, such as bioenergy have had a significant positive impact on Hawaii’s economy, energy, environment, and feedstock.
Economic Benefit:
Every year Hawaii Island residents spend almost $4 billion on petroleum imported from foreign countries, particularly in Asia and Africa. The high oil price volatility makes it essential for Hawaii to reduce its reliance on foreign crude oil. The local bioenergy production industry is striving to meet 10% of liquid fuel demand by 2023, which will create over 2,000 jobs and almost $1 billion in annual revenue in Hawaii. With the development and use of biofuel in Hawaii, new local jobs will be created for island residents and the economy will consequently be more stable.
Environmental Benefit:
The environment in Hawaii will be greatly sustained by the use of bioenergy since petroleum previously made up 90% of Hawaii’s energy needs. The transportation of 1.8 billion gallons of petroleum each year can create enormous costs and environmental risks, such as increased GHG emissions generated by burning fossil fuels. According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, petroleum diesel creates 78.5% more carbon dioxide than biodiesel, generating energy from biofuels releases lesser greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide unlike fossil fuels. Additionally, biofuels can also capture carbon when they grow. Therefore, locally produced bioenergy will tremendously reduce GHG emissions – which is the main driver of climate change.
Feedstock Benefit:
Another great benefit of biofuel production is associated with biomass feedstocks. Bioenergy and biofuels are generated by converting biomass feedstocks into electricity, heat or energy. Biofuels that are produced from local resources create a sustainable solution for Hawaii. Most local biomass feedstock comes from wood, algae and waste from the production process of cane, macadamia nuts shells, pineapple, and grass. Hawaii has favorable growth conditions for plants and can produce locally-sourced biomass, which leads to a more sustainable biomass energy production solution to create clean energy, while eliminating waste and making Hawaii more green!
Energy benefit:
Hawaii is currently the most fossil fuel-dependent state in the U.S. The state imports 93% of its energy and consumes 84% of foreign petroleum sources. While electricity costs are 3 times the national average, the adaptation and utilization of locally produced bioenergy will eliminate the state’s reliance on foreign oil and help the state to achieve energy independence.
Renewable energy sources, such as bioenergy offer substantial benefits for the environment, economy, and the community. Reducing the use of fossil fuels like petroleum will make a huge step towards the success of Hawaii’s clean energy goal, which is to become a 100% fossil fuel-free state by 2045. With new local jobs, energy independence, and greenhouse gas reduction, Hawaii’s society will grow stronger both economically and environmentally.