GOVERNOR ABERCROMBIE SIGNS MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING FOR JAPAN-U.S. SMART GRID DEMONSTRATION PROJECT

For Immediate Release: November 22, 2011

HONOLULU – State government and energy officials joined Governor Neil Abercrombie and Japan-based New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) President Hideo Hato at the State Capitol today as the two leaders signed a memorandum of understanding to memorialize ongoing efforts between the State of Hawaii and NEDO. NEDO is an arm of Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. They are set to build a first-of-its-kind smart grid demonstration project on the Island of Maui. The multi-million dollar project is aimed at improving integration of variable renewable resources, such as solar and wind power, and preparing the electric system for widespread adoption of electric vehicles.

“Anticipation for this project has been building for quite some time, and now it is official,” stated Governor Neil Abercrombie. “Hawaii’s clean energy industry has shown significant year-to-year growth, and it is becoming a strong driver in our economy. This project will invest $37 million in the development of advanced smart grid technology and will further position Hawaii as an international leader in the clean energy space, serving as a hot spot for global investment and research and development.”

The project is part of the Hawaii-Okinawa Partnership on Clean and Efficient Energy Development and Deployment, which was signed by the U.S. Department of Energy, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan, State of Hawaii and Prefecture of Okinawa in June 2010. The partnership is intended to foster the development of clean and energy efficient technologies needed to solve global energy security and climate change challenges. Japan and the United States designated Hawaii and Okinawa as the representatives for this groundbreaking partnership due to their demonstrated leadership and experience in clean energy and energy efficiency.

“It is our great pleasure to be provided a special opportunity to work along with Hawaii in a cutting-edge smart grid project under the Japan-U.S. Clean Energy Policy,” said President Hato of NEDO. “Such mutual collaboration will contribute to a breakthrough toward a solution needed by both countries, expansion of renewable energy and integration of grid networks. We hope that this project will provide a model for island grids in the Asia-Pacific region and across the globe.”

Hawaii’s clean energy goal is one of the most aggressive in the world, and has become a major catalyst for new business growth and innovation in the state. With at least 66 renewable energy projects in various stages of development in the queue, Hawaii is fast becoming a major player in the global clean energy economy. The fact that Hawaii is the perfect test bed for renewable energy has also contributed greatly to the state’s success. Surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, blessed with year-round sun, consistent trade winds, and home to one of the earth’s most active volcanoes, Hawaii is one of the few places in the world capable of harnessing solar, wind, geothermal and ocean thermal energy – all within a 200-mile span.

“The Maui smart grid demonstration project will elevate Hawaii’s position in the global clean energy marketplace and reaffirm our position as an energy test bed in the Pacific,” said Richard Lim, Director, State Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. With significant renewable energy already in place, Maui is the perfect location for the project, which is designed to establish a model to integrate clean energy in a smart grid system. More specifically, the project will develop and install smart utility system controls in the Kihei area on Maui to improve the integration of photovoltaics and electric vehicles. Advanced electric vehicle charging management systems will enable utility operators to better balance generation and power demand while accepting larger amounts of solar and wind power.

The project’s contractors, Hitachi, Ltd., Cyber Defense Institute, Inc. and Mizuho Corporate Bank, Ltd., will cooperate with the State of Hawaii, the Hawaiian Electric Company, the University of Hawaii and the United States National Laboratories.

Installation of the smart grid technology is expected to begin in late 2012, with the project becoming operational in 2013. The demonstration project is scheduled to run from 2013-2015.

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For more information, contact:

Mark B. Glick
State Energy Administrator
Phone: (808) 587-3812

Lois Hamaguchi
Energy Analyst
Phone: (808) 587-9006

Mr. Onodera
NEDO Representative
Phone: +1-408-567-8033

GOVERNOR ABERCROMBIE SECURES AGREEMENT WITH CHINA FOR CLEAN ENERGY DEVELOPMENT

For Immediate Release: November 14, 2011

Honolulu – Governor Neil Abercrombie last night signed an agreement with Mr. Yu Ping, Vice Chairman of the China Council for Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), to pursue mutual interests in clean energy development. The Letter of Intent was signed by both parties just hours after the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Hawaii-China CEO Forum “Transforming to Clean Energy.”

“We set out to do business with China and I believe this past weekend, we’ve accomplished a first step in moving towards a direction of mutual economic growth in the area of clean energy,” said Governor Abercrombie. “Mr. Ping was very excited to enter into an agreement in which the state of Hawaii and China will pursue clean energy business projects in the near future.”

Governor Abercrombie began courting Chinese businesses last month when he visited Beijing. Yesterday, the Governor hosted members of the CCPIT and Chinese APEC delegates at Washington Place along with state lawmakers and local business leaders. Attendees were treated to local cuisine, music and hula, and were provided information about local energy business ventures.

The gathering was followed by a two-hour Hawaii-CEO forum called, “Transforming to Clean Energy” held in the House Chambers and hosted by House of Representatives Speaker Calvin Say. Participants included the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism’s State Energy Office, CCPIT, U.S. Pacific Command, Bestsun Energy Group and state lawmakers.

The Letter of Intent signed by Governor Abercrombie and CCPIT cites “there was invoked a spirit of collaboration between China and Hawaii on clean energy development efforts, as passionately presented by esteemed panelists from Hawaii and China.” The next step for both parties is to collaborate on a more defined memorandum of understanding by March 30, 2012.

“This weekend has advanced our collaboration with China and the U.S. Department of Energy,” said Governor Abercrombie. “We all recognize the need for lessening our dependence on fossil fuels and there is also recognition that energy projects present economic growth opportunities.”

On Saturday, two dozen government and private leaders working on achieving Hawaii’s clean energy goals participated in the roundtable discussion at the Governor’s office. Leading the roundtable was U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu, U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye, and Governor Abercrombie. Subjects ranged from operations of renewable energy, to continued smart grid advancements, biofuel development, and the necessity of an inter-island cable.

At the meeting Secretary Chu expressed great interest in the State’s current energy initiatives noting that Hawaii is “the perfect test-bed.”

“As we compete in the global marketplace for the clean energy jobs of tomorrow, we need to continue to invest in the technologies that will create jobs here in Hawaii and ensure American companies remain competitive,” stated Secretary Chu.

Currently, the state and the U.S. Department of Energy have partnered on The Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative which is focused on implementing actions to reduce Hawaii’s dependence of fossil fuel oil by 70 percent by 2030.

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For more information, contact:

Donalyn Dela Cruz
Press Secretary
(808) 586-0012
https://hawaii.gov/gov

HAWAII-CHINA CEO FORUM CONVENED AT STATE CAPITOL

For Immediate Release: November 13, 2011

HONOLULU – The State House of Representatives, Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism (DBEDT) and China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) today hosted nearly 350 CEOs of Chinese and Hawaii companies as they discussed energy transformation initiatives and projects. The Hawaii- China CEO Forum focused on the critical decisions that government and business leaders will face in the coming decades to address expanding energy needs, including renewable energy options, clean energy infrastructure and prospects for clean energy cooperation between Hawaii and China.

Keynote speakers included Governor Neil Abercrombie. House Speaker Calvin Say, Senator J. Kalani English, DBEDT Director Richard Lim, CCPIT Deputy Director General Han Meiqing, Dr. George Kailiwai of U.S. Pacific Command, and Wang Donghai, Chairman, Bestsun Energy Group.

“Hawaii’s clean energy goal is one of the most aggressive in the world, and has become a
major catalyst for new business growth and innovation in the state,” stated Governor Neil Abercrombie. “With more than 66 renewable energy projects in various stages of development in the pipeline, Hawaii is fast becoming a major player in the global clean energy economy. Our experience and understanding of both the clean energy economy and Asia-Pacific market makes Hawaii a great place to do business.”

In addition to information sharing regarding emerging clean energy technologies, project opportunities and best practices, particular emphasis was placed on China’s outbound investment strategies China will spend an estimated $1.54 trillion on clean energy projects over the next 15 years. China Investment Corporation, a $300 billion-asset-holding state wealth fund, is investing heavily in Chinese clean-energy companies and foreign operators with projects in China. Similarly, the China Energy Conservation Investment Corporation, a state holding company, invests in energy conservation, pollution control and renewable energy private sector projects.

“Merger and acquisition activity in the clean energy sector is a growing phenomenon in China,” said CCPIT Deputy Director General Han Meiqing. “Chinese companies are looking to capitalize on foreign technology and expertise, and that means the door is open for U.S. companies to take on bigger roles in China. With that, Hawaii is strategically positioned, both geographically and philosophically, to play a significant leadership role in the Asia-Pacific region.”

Mergers and acquisitions in the clean energy sector in China amounted to $2.126 billion in 2010; roughly 60 percent of the renewable energy sector deals that took place in the Asia- Pacific region last year. “China is currently the world leader in clean energy investments, and Hawaii is fast becoming the prime location to test, deploy and scale-up renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies and processes,” said Mark Glick, administrator of DBEDT’s State Energy Office. “It makes good sense that we continue to broaden and deepen our clean energy partnership with China. Doing so will help further position Hawaii as a global leader when it comes to the business of clean energy.”

Progress on the clean energy agenda was one of the top U.S. priorities for the APEC summit, along with reducing regulatory barriers to trade and strengthening overall trade and investment ties throughout the region.

For more information on Hawaii’s clean energy progress, visit www.energy.hawaii.gov.

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For more information, contact:

Mark B. Glick
State Energy Administrator
Phone: (808) 587-3812

Lois Hamaguchi
Energy Analyst
Phone: (808) 587-9006

COMMITMENT TO NATIONAL AND STATE ENERGY GOALS SHARED AT ROUNDTABLE WITH U.S. SECRETARY OF ENERGY STEVEN CHU, U.S. SENATOR DANIEL INOUYE, AND GOVERNOR NEIL ABERCROMBIE

For Immediate Release: November 12, 2011

Honolulu – U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Energy Steven Chu, U.S. Senator Daniel Inouye and Governor Neil Abercrombie this afternoon led a roundtable discussion to further the clean energy initiatives between the State of Hawaii and the federal government.

“The Obama Administration and Governor Abercrombie share a commitment to promoting the use of locally-produced, clean renewable energy,” said Secretary Chu. “As we compete in the global marketplace for the clean energy jobs of tomorrow, we need to continue to invest in the technologies that will create jobs here in Hawaii and ensure American companies remain competitive. I look forward to continuing and growing the strong partnership between the Department of Energy and the State of Hawaii.”

About two dozen government and private leaders working on achieving Hawaii’s clean energy goals participated in the roundtable discussion. Subjects ranged from operationalizing of renewable energy, to continued smart grid advancements, biofuel development, and the necessity of an inter-island cable.

“Hawaii is a natural alternative energy test-bed due in large part to the many partnerships we enjoy,” said Senator Inouye. “The U.S. Departments of Energy and Defense are active and valued partners to assist in the rapid deployment of renewable energy technology to reduce our dependency on fossil fuels. We must have the political will to stay the course not just for us but for the next generation. It is time to take our test-bed to the next level.”

Governor Abercrombie added, “The partnership we have with the federal government is a key ingredient in reaching the goals we have as an island state. In reaching these goals, we are not only protecting ourselves from the volatility of outside fossil fuel markets, but are setting standards for the rest of country and the world in the application of clean energy technologies.”

The Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative is a partnership between the state and the U.S. Department of Energy to implement actions to reduce Hawaii’s dependence of fossil fuel oil by 70 percent by 2030.

Secretary Chu is in Honolulu attending the APEC leaders’ week conference. He is charged with helping implement President Obama’s ambitious agenda to invest in clean energy, reduce our dependence on foreign oil, address the global climate crisis and create millions of new jobs. He is a distinguished scientist and the co-winner of the Nobel Prize for Physics (1997). Prior to his appointment, Dr. Chu served as the director of the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

Today’s roundtable discussion fostered a stronger relationship in moving Hawaii closer to reaching its renewable energy goals. In closing, Secretary Chu expressed great interest in the State’s current energy initiatives stating, “This is very exciting. Hawaii is the perfect test-bed for us.”

Participants included:

Steven Chu, Secretary, U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)
Daniel K. Inouye, U.S. Senator
Neil Abercrombie, Governor
Brian Schatz, Lt. Governor
Jennifer Sabas – U.S. Senator Inouye Chief of Staff
George Kailiwai – PACOM Director of Resources & Assessment Directorate
Richard Carlin – Office of Naval Research, Head, Sea Warfare & Weapons Department
Ross Roley – Senior Military Analyst, PACOM Energy Office,
Joelle Simonpietre – CMDR, PACOM J81, Innovation & Experimentation Energy Team
Steve Lindenberg – DOE, Senior Advisor, Renewable Energy
Jim Spaeth – DOE, Senior Advisor, Pacific Region Office
Richard Lim – Director, Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism
Tom Quinn – Director, Hawaii Center for Advance Transportation Technologies
Mark Glick – Administrator, Hawaii State Energy Office
MRC Greenwood – University of Hawaii (UH), President
Jim Gaines – UH, Vice President for Research
Rick Rocheleau – UH, Director, Hawaii Natural Energy Institute
Don Thomas – UH, Director, Center for Study of Active Volcanoes
Andy Hashimoto – UH, Former Dean, College of Tropical Agriculture & HR
Hermina Morita – Hawaii Public Utilities Commission, Chair
Mike Champley – Hawaii Public Utilities Commission, Commissioner
Robbie Alm – Hawaiian Electric Company, Executive Vice President
Colton Ching – Hawaiian Electric Company, Vice President, System Operation & Planning
Edward Reinhardt – Maui Electric Company, President
Joel Matsunaga – Hawaii BioEnergy, Chief Operating Officer
Chris Benjamin – Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Co. (Maui)
Darren Kimura – Sopogy, President & Chief Operating Officer
Dan O’Connell – HNU Photonics, Chief Operating Officer
Jim Rekoske – Honeywell, Vice President of Renewable Energy
Barry Mizuno – Puna Geothermal Venture, Consultant
Maurice Kaya – Hawaii Renewable Energy Development Venture, Project Director

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For more information, contact:

Donalyn Dela Cruz
Press Secretary
(808) 586-0012
https://hawaii.gov/gov

HAWAII STATE CAPITOL BUILDING TRIMS MORE ENERGY USE DURING EPA’S ENERGY STAR NATIONAL BUILDING COMPETITION

For Immediate Release: November 2, 2011

HONOLULU– Employees at the Hawaii State Capitol Building cut back another 32,000 kilowatt hours, saving an additional $2,400 in electricity during the ENERGY STAR National Building Competition: Battle of the Buildings that began on May 2, 2011 and ended on August 31, 2011. The Capitol Building entered the competition with an Energy Star score of 86, which meant it already ranked in the top 15% of similar buildings nationwide. By the end of the competition, it reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by 31 metric tons of CO2 equivalent, while improving its Energy Star score to 87.

The Battle of the Buildings award, however, went to a parking garage on the main campus of the University of Central Florida, which reduced its energy use by 63 percent.

“We were already reducing energy use at the Capitol when we entered the competition, so our results are not as dramatic,” said Mark Glick, Administrator, Department of Business and Economic Development Tourism’s (DBEDT) State Energy Office. “EPA’s competition helped to get the State employees involved with our iConserve and Lead by Example energy saving programs, so it was a great opportunity for us. Occupant participation is an essential part in meeting our long-term energy conservation goals and we are excited by the commitment we’ve seen.”

The State Capitol Building was featured as one of the success stories on EPA’s National Building Competition website at the halfway point of the competition for its unique efforts to engage the building’s occupants.

Even before the EPA competition, the Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS), which manages over 50 State facilities, instituted a number of energy-saving projects at the State Capitol and other public buildings. Between fiscal years 2008 and 2009, energy use at the Capitol dropped 11.1% and last year, the State saved $20 million in energy bills due to efficiency and conservation efforts. Since that time, there continues to be additional improvements for further energy reduction.

Energy use in commercial buildings accounts for nearly 20 percent of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions at a cost of more than $100 billion per year.

In its second year, the EPA competition featured teams from 245 buildings across the country in a head-to-head battle to save energy, reduce costs, and protect Americans’ health and their environment. The competitors together saved more than 240 million kBtus of energy and $5.2 million on utility bills annually. The competitors also prevented greenhouse gas emissions equal to the electricity used by more than 3,600 homes per year. The building with the largest percent-reduction in energy use, adjusted for weather and the size of the building, was the winner.

The State of Hawaii’s economic enterprise is to pursue energy independence by building a clean energy economy and reaching 70 percent clean energy by 2030. The DBEDT State Energy Office’s mission is to act as a catalyst for efficiency measures, renewable energy resources, transportation initiatives, green jobs, and investments in Hawaii’s economy. For more information, visit www.energy.hawaii.gov.

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For more information, contact:

Mark Glick
Energy Program Administrator
DBEDT’s State Energy Office
Phone: (808) 587-3812

Lois Hamaguchi
Energy Analyst
DBEDT’s State Energy Office
Phone: (808) 587-9006

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