Hawaii as a Renewable Energy Leader in the U.S.
Hawaii enacted a mandate to become 100% renewable energy efficient by 2045. To meet this highly aspirational goal, Hawaii has been expanding it’s green portfolio by investing in a variety of clean energy technologies, including wind, solar, bioenergy and others.
Hawaii’s Heavy Dependence on Fossil Fuels
Hawaii plans to diversify its energy matrix and become a renewable energy leader in the U.S., which would help the state to reduce its dependence on imported fossil fuels. However, approximately 80% of Hawaii’s energy and electricity is generated from imported fossil fuels, including crude oil, natural gas and coal.
The state has no fossil fuel reserves of its own and relies primarily on foreign transportation fuels to meet energy needs. The heavy reliance on imported fossil fuels, particularly petroleum, has led the state to having the highest electricity prices in the United States.
Is 100% Renewable Energy Dependence Likely?
Under the law, Hawaii is required to meet 30% of it’s renewable portfolio standards by 2020, 40% by 2030 and 70% by 2040. In December 2017, around 28% of Hawaii’s energy needs came from renewable sources. If the nation continues on the same track, achieving the next goal of 40% should not be too difficult.
However, the state has been facing some regulatory challenges. For instance, policy measures are required to permit land use for clean energy production. Renewable energy technologies, including solar panels and bioenergy facilities, require a large amount of land space. Given land restrictions for renewable energy use in Hawaii, this poses challenges for the development and achievement of the mandate. There is a critical need for the government to make sure there is enough land for renewable energy facilities and technologies to achieve the state’s goals.
Additionally, diversifying Hawaii’s renewable energy matrix requires a substantial cultural shift and changes in consumer habits. Shifting away from conventional forms of energy that have been around for years requires educational awareness and willingness to adapt. The government must raise awareness by educating the community on the benefits of renewable energy technologies.
A variety of renewable energy projects throughout the Island could help to diversify Hawaii’s clean energy portfolio, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere and supporting economic growth in the country. Local renewable energy technologies offer significant benefits to the community by helping to boost the economy, rather than supporting foreign profits. In addition, renewable energy technologies are far cheaper and cleaner than fossil-fuels, which will help Hawaii to substantially reduce it’s high electricity costs. While solar, bioenergy, wind and other renewable energy sources may be challenging to implement in a heavy fossil-fuel dominated environment, the environmental and economic benefits in the long-run will outweigh the costs.