Hawaii And U.S. Department Of Energy Partner To Make Hawaii A "World Model" For Clean Energy Economy

January 28, 2008 -- HONOLULU – Hawaii Governor Linda Lingle and U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Alexander Karsner today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish the Hawai’i Clean Energy Initiative, a long-term partnership designed to accelerate the transformation of Hawai’i into one of the world’s first economies based primarily on clean energy resources.

The goal of the Hawai‘i Clean Energy Initiative is to use renewable resources – such as wind, sun, ocean, geothermal, and bioenergy – to supply 70 percent or more of Hawai‘i’s energy needs by 2030. This will reduce the state’s dependence on imported oil and help bring energy price stability to Hawai‘i consumers.

“This innovative, unprecedented partnership builds on the progress the state has made to increase energy independence by decreasing Hawai’i’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 Hawai‘i 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 Hawai‘i,” Assistant Secretary Karsner said. “With an abundance of natural resources and environmental treasures, Hawai‘i is the ideal location to showcase the broad benefits of renewable energy at work on an unprecedented scale. Hawai‘i’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.”

The partnership will provide technical assistance and technology program support for a variety of innovative projects that draw on technologies developed through a range of DOE research and development programs. Efforts will focus on working with public and private partners on several clean energy projects throughout the state including:

Designing cost-effective approaches for 100 percent use of renewable energy on smaller islands.

Designing systems to improve stability of electrical grids operating with variable generating sources, such as wind power plants on the Island of Hawai‘i and Maui.

Integrating renewable energy, including solar, wind, energy storage and advanced vehicle technologies into existing systems to meet the islands’ energy needs.

Minimizing energy use while maximizing energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies at new large military housing developments.

Expanding Hawai‘i’s capability to use locally grown crops as byproducts for producing fuel and electricity.

Developing comprehensive energy regulatory and policy frameworks to promote clean energy technology use.

The Hawai‘i 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. The Hawai‘i Clean Energy Initiative recognizes that, while DOE and the State are providing the leadership, ultimately all of Hawai‘i’s citizens will need to be involved to create real and lasting change.

“The Lingle-Aiona Administration is committed to leading by example,” said Theodore E. Liu, Director of Hawai‘i’s Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism. “Hawai‘i is already a leader in energy policy. We are now stepping up to strengthen our energy program by providing funding for projects that will accelerate the transition to a clean energy-based future.”

In 2006, Energy for Tomorrow legislative measures were enacted to initiate a dramatic change in the state’s energy policy. In 2007, Hawai’i became only the second state in the nation to establish a cap on greenhouse gas emissions. This partnership with the Department of Energy is building on Hawai‘i’s momentum and brings new resources into the state through this agreement.

Source: Hawaii Governor

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