Hawaii State Legislature has passed a bill that sets the state on course towards being fully powered by renewable energy.
The bill increases renewable portfolio standards to 30 percent by December 31, 2020, 70 percent by December 31, 2040, and 100 percent by December 31, 2045.
“The purpose of this Act is to update and extend Hawaii’s clean energy initiative and renewable portfolio standards to ensure maximum long-term benefit to Hawaii’s economy by setting a goal of one hundred per cent renewable by 2045; provided that extending the renewable portfolio standard goals and transition to energy independence beyond 2030 shall be undertaken in a manner that benefits Hawaii’s economy and all electric customers, maintains customer affordability, and does not induce renewable energy developers to artificially increase the price of renewable energy in Hawaii,” the bill states.
Besides being a solar-friendly state, Hawaii could easily reach its goal with other clean energy sources, such as offshore wind. There are two projects proposed for the state waters that could bring in a joint capacity of approx. 800MW.
The bill stresses the importance of shifting to renewables to boost the local economy, which has been burdened by imported fossil fuels.
“The legislature further finds that alternative energy technologies have advanced significantly in recent years, leading to an explosion of new markets, jobs, and local energy sources. Due to these and other advances, Hawaii is currently ahead of its timeline in reaching its goal of becoming forty per cent renewable by 2030,” the bill said.
Offshore WIND Staff; Image: Principle Power (WindFloat, proposed to be used at Hawaiian offshore wind projects.)