GOVERNOR GREEN SIGNS EXECUTIVE ORDER TO PROMOTE AND EXPEDITE RENEWABLE ENERGY, REDUCING ENERGY COSTS

HONOLULU — Governor Josh Green, M.D., today unveiled an executive order to promote and expedite the development of renewable energy in the state of Hawaiʻi.

In the face of federal uncertainty regarding renewable energy and concerns over grid stability across the state, the Governor is committed to expanding and accelerating Hawaiʻi’s renewable resource development, and has outlined priorities to reduce energy costs, prevent blackouts, and slash emissions for Hawaiʻi residents and businesses. 

The executive order, developed with the Hawaiʻi State Energy Office and the input of various energy stakeholders across the state over the last year, outlines new policy objectives and directives for the state of Hawaiʻi, including accelerating renewable development for neighbor island communities to hit 100% renewable portfolio standards from 2045 to 2035, setting a statewide goal of 50,000 distributed renewable energy installations (such as rooftop solar and battery systems) by 2030, and directing state departments to streamline and accelerate the permitting of renewable developments to reduce energy costs and project development timelines. 

In addition, the order calls upon the Hawaiʻi Public Utilities Commission and Hawaiian Electric Company for support in reducing redundancies and inefficiencies in energy permitting and to prioritize reduced energy costs and energy stability for Hawaiʻi’s people.  

“Hawaiʻi needs to take some drastic steps to reduce energy costs, which have continued to rise and have contributed to the high cost of living for our people,” said Governor Green. “We know that high energy costs in Hawaiʻi are due to our reliance on burning oil for electricity and old infrastructure, which is really unacceptable. We can and must do more to get this under control.”

Despite the federal administration signaling a turn away from renewables, Governor Green is doubling-down on a diversified, renewable-centered approach to cut costs and emissions.

“This EO represents the start of real action to lower costs, support a stable energy system, and reduce emissions,” said Chip Fletcher, the Governor’s climate advisor and interim dean of the School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST), University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. “Governor Green is cutting the red tape to realize our shared energy goals, including the first-ever push to get neighbor island communities to energy independence a decade sooner.”

“The goal of 50,000 distributed renewable energy installations before 2030 demonstrates the state of Hawaiʻi’s commitment to ensuring more affordable and resilient energy for Hawaiʻi’s people,” said Rocky Mould, executive director of the Hawaiʻi Solar Energy Association. “We are excited to aggressively expand opportunities for rooftop solar and energy storage and unleash its power and promise for the clean/decarbonized grid of the future under Governor Green’s leadership.”

Energy costs have risen starkly in Hawaiʻi, which has the highest average residential energy rate of any state in the U.S. 

High electricity and utility costs impact households, are a drag on Hawaiʻi’s economy, and add additional tax burdens by increasing government operating expenses. Energy cost increases have represented a $15M recurring increase in the Governor’s latest biennium budget for the Department of Education’s operations alone.

A copy of the executed executive order can be found here.

HAWAIʻI TO RECEIVE $18M TO REDUCE ENERGY USE AND CARBON EMISSIONS FROM LARGE BUILDINGS

HONOLULU, HI — As part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America agenda,
the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced that Hawaiʻi is one of 19 state and local
governments that will receive more than $240 million to adopt and implement the latest energy
efficient or innovative building codes. These improvements will help renters and commercial
building operators save money on their utility bills.

In Hawaiʻi, the funding will support the development and adoption of a Building Performance
Standard (BPS) to improve the energy performance of the state’s largest commercial buildings
(50,000 square feet and above) which currently account for approximately 80% of the state’s
commercial energy usage and about 78% of total commercial building emissions.

The expected outcomes of the Hawaiʻi BPS policy are an overall reduction in energy use and
emissions from commercial buildings and lower operational energy costs for building owners
and renters, with a commensurate increase in demand for good jobs in the skilled trades
industry.

While tailored to increase energy efficiency in the commercial building sector, large high-rise
multifamily buildings (100,000 square feet and above) will be eligible to apply in a second phase
of the program.

A significant portion of the funding will be used to implement state and county capacity building
and multi-year investments in skilled trades workforce development and education. Qualifying
building types include hotels and resorts, food services, mercantile (strip malls), offices,
education (schools), healthcare (outpatient) and warehouse and storage facilities. The
implementation of the BPS is expected to create the demand for this clean energy workforce.
In line with the Biden Administration’s Justice40 initiative, 40% of the grant funds will be
allocated for a technical assistance program in low-and-moderate income communities and for
the implementation of new trades apprenticeship and education programs.

“As Hawaiʻi continues to make strides in meeting its 100% renewable energy and
decarbonization goals, it is critical that we continue to reduce our energy demand by being as
energy efficient as possible. This policy will be key to our ability to meet our 2030 and 2045
goals,” said Hawaiʻi Chief Energy Officer Mark. B. Glick.

“Making our buildings more energy efficient will lower energy bills while also helping us fight the
climate crisis,” said U.S. Senator Brian Schatz. “This new funding will help strengthen our
workforce and enable people across Hawai‘i to reap the benefits of our transition to a cleaner
future.”

The Hawaiʻi State Energy Office developed the proposal in partnership with the City of County
of Honolulu’s Office of Climate Change, Sustainability and Resiliency, Kauaʻi County’s Office of
Economic Development, Maui County’s Office of Economic Development, Hawaiʻi County’s
Office of Sustainability, Climate, Equity, and Resilience, the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s
School of Architecture and the Sea Grant College Program, as well as private sector consultants
from both Hawaiʻi and other mainland states.

For a full list of projects, please click here. Selection for award negotiations is not a
commitment by DOE to issue an award or provide funding. Before funding is issued, DOE and
the applicants will undergo a negotiation process, and DOE may cancel negotiations and
rescind the selection for any reason during that time.

2023/2024 HAWAI‘I GREEN BUSINESS AWARDS PROGRAM HONORS HAWAI‘I BUSINESSES AND EVENTS FOR SUSTAINABILITY PRACTICES 

HONOLULU, HI — The Hawai‘i Green Business Program (HGBP) recognized its largest-ever cohort of Hawai‘i businesses and events today for their energy efficiency and sustainable business practices.  

Governor Josh Green, M.D., praised awardees for their demonstrated commitment to conserving energy and water, reducing waste, and protecting Hawai‘i’s environment, saying: “Hawaiʻi will not forfeit its commitment to a more resilient, clean economy. We must change how we do business. And we must model for others what this change looks like. Devoting our energy (literally) to regeneration and renewal is what nature is inviting us to do.”

The 40 awardees representing five islands were recognized during the annual HGBP awards ceremony in the Governor’s Ceremonial Room in the State Capitol. The ceremony was hosted by the Hawai‘i State Energy Office, the Hawai‘i State Department of Health, the Honolulu Board of Water Supply, and the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority. 

Chief Energy Officer Mark Glick said: “Our constitutional kuleana to steward Hawai’i’s natural environment sets us apart as a leader in the energy transition. While energy efficiency may not be the most glamorous path forward, the results are clear – conservation saves people money and lowers carbon across the state.”

DBEDT Director James Kunane Tokioka added: “Today’s event is a key example of the public and private sectors coming together to move forward in our mission of creating a sustainable Hawai‘i together. The businesses, venues and events who support this mission are vital to our local economy and the importance cannot be understated.”

The honorees of this year’s Hawai‘i Green Business Program Awards are:

Green Hotels, Resorts, Venue and Office Awardees:

  • The Kahala Hotel & Resort
  • Hokulani Waikiki, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club
  • Hyatt Centric Waikiki Beach
  • Marriott’s Ko Olina Beach Club
  • Prince Waikiki
  • The Cliffs at Princeville
  • Four Seasons Resort Maui
  • Maui Bay Villas, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club
  • Kings’ Land, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club
  • Mauna Kea Beach Hotel
  • Westin Hapuna Beach Resort
  • Four Seasons Resort Lānaʻi
  • Sensei Lānaʻi, A Four Seasons Resort
  • Hawai‘i Convention Center
  • Waialae Country Club
  • Honeywell/Smart Energy

Green Event Awardees:

  • 2023 Hawai‘i Library Association/HASL Conference
  • 2024 Sony Open
  • Earth Day 2024 Hawai‘i Pacific University
  • Make a Splash Festival
  • Sentry 2023 Golf Tournament
  • Sunshower Weddings & Events

Entry Level Program Awardees:

  • Central Pacific Bank Earth Day
  • Banán
  • Pō‘ai by Pono Potions
  • Drip Studio
  • Aloha ‘Āina Juice Cafe
  • Collab Cafe
  • Fresh Bite
  • Kalalea Juice Hale
  • Kōloa Pizza Kitchen
  • Orly Patisserie
  • Niu Life Kitchen (Wailuku)
  • South Maui Fish Co. (Kihei)
  • Wailuku Coffee Co. (Wailuku)
  • Abundant Life Natural Foods
  • Hilo Coffee Mill
  • Holo Holo Charters
  • Journey to Good Health Cafe
  • Koana Coffee

For further information please visit Hawaii Green Business Program.

Images of the ceremony and recipients can be found at 6.28.24 Green Business Award Ceremony | Flickr.

GOVERNOR JOSH GREEN, M.D., CHIEF ENERGY OFFICER, MARK GLICK, UPDATE U.S. STATES’ ENERGY OFFICIALS ON HAWAIʻI’S ENERGY STRATEGY

HONOLULU – Governor Josh Green, M.D., joined Mark Glick, chief energy officer of the Hawai‘i State Energy Office (HSEO), at the Imin International Center today at a conference of the National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO), updating western regional officials on Hawaiʻi’s energy priorities in the aftermath of Maui’s devastating wildfires.

“As the pioneering state for a 100% renewable portfolio standard, we are committed to eliminating our dependency on imported fossil fuels by 2045,” said the Governor.

Governor Green outlined the state’s near-term energy strategy addressing three C’s: Cost, Carbon and Capitalto lower costs, lower carbon and open access to capital to secure the viability of the state’s largest utility, as Hawaiʻi progresses toward its legislated mandate of net zero carbon by 2045.

“We are dealing with a new normal in the aftermath of the Maui wildfires,” said Glick, “but the challenges are not insurmountable. 

“Working with energy stakeholders throughout state and national partners like NASEO, we will maintain or accelerate Hawaiʻi’s transition to renewables, as we prioritize upgrades and replacements to thermal power generators that will continue to be predominantly relied upon over the next decade and a half to provide dispatchable power.”

A quantitative analysis undertaken by HSEO in Pathways to Decarbonization underscores the need to maintain development timelines for renewable energy projects statewide as the primary way to lower the carbon intensity of each island’s grid. In all scenarios, progressively reducing emissions from fossil fuel generators is the primary driver of emissions reductions.

Hawaiʻi’s transition to a lower cost, lower carbon economy by 2045 is aided by historic federal investments in climate–resilient infrastructure: $72.8 million in clean energy investments in 2024 with an additional $366 million in funding applications in progress, including funding for two critical customer hubs in Maui and $70 million in home electrification and appliance rebate programs for low-to-moderate income families.

HSEO will release the findings of a comprehensive fuels analysis in May.

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HAWAI‘I STATE ENERGY OFFICE AND KAUA‘I ISLAND UTILITY COOPERATIVE RECEIVE FEDERAL SUPPORT FOR INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS

Projects will boost reliability and support utility’s goal of reaching 100% renewable energy with in 10 years

LIHUE, Hawai‘i – The U.S. Department of Energy today announced two technology demonstration projects proposed by the Hawai‘i State Energy Office (HSEO) in partnership with Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative (KIUC) will receive more than $17.9 million in funding through the Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) Program. 

Both projects leverage existing power generation equipment with new technology to expand dispatchable renewable energy and support reliable island grid operation among other benefits. Together these solutions will enable KIUC to achieve its goal of 100% renewable energy within the next 10 years. 

“Kaua‘i is proving that transitioning to locally produced renewable energy alleviates the energy burden for families and businesses by reducing extreme price volatility,” said Governor Josh Green, M.D. “We are grateful to the Biden Administration for supporting these projects, which we believe will showcase how these technologies can achieve similar benefits on other islands.”  

“HSEO is excited to be working with KIUC to implement these innovative solutions to bring solar grid forming and synchronous condenser conversion technologies to Hawai‘i,” said Hawai‘i Chief Energy Officer Mark B. Glick. “These projects will provide significant community benefits by adding value to existing renewable resources, providing opportunities for additional renewables, reducing the frequency and impact of power disruptions, and further decarbonizing the grid by reducing fossil generation.” 

“At 60% renewable generation, KIUC’s transition has not only resulted in significant greenhouse gas reductions, it has also saved our members millions of dollars over the past few years through stabilized electricity rates that are no longer vulnerable to spikes in oil pricing,” said KIUC’s President and Chief Executive Officer, David Bissell. 

The projects are scheduled to begin in early 2024 with an estimated completion date in mid-2025.  

About the projects: 

The Utility Solar Grid Forming Technology (USGFT) and Synchronous Condenser Conversion Technology (SCCT) demonstration projects will be funded in part through the Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) Grid Innovation Program of the Grid Deployment Office, Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations.  

Utility Solar Grid Forming Technology  

The GRIP program will provide half of the total cost-shared project estimated at $32.5 million, with KIUC contributing the other half of the total project cost. 

The USFGT project involves an innovative technology application that demonstrates a technological solution for expanded renewables dispatch and reliable island grid operation. The project adds battery storage and advanced grid forming inverters to two existing solar power plants. This will create a hybrid power supply with enhanced dispatchability, greater resource availability, and will provide important ancillary services including frequency regulation, reactive power and voltage control, and operating reserves. The grid regulation service will provide significant regional and community benefit by furthering the capability of the system to accommodate 100% dispatch of renewable generation sources and provide a more reliable and resilient island grid. 

Click here to read the U.S. Department of Energy’s Grid Deployment Office fact sheet on the project. 

Synchronous Condenser Conversion Technology  

The GRIP program will provide half of the cost-shared project of $3.35 million, with KIUC contributing of the remaining half of the total project cost.  

This innovative project adds grid-forming capability to an existing generator at the Port Allen power station to accommodate stable operation of high penetration distributed variable renewable generation on the Kaua‘i electric grid. The project will provide significant regional and community benefits by reducing the likelihood and consequence of disruptive events to the grid, and provide a reference case for duplication of the conversion technology by others. This novel use of grid-forming technology in a grid of this size will demonstrate a replicable solution for local, regional, and interregional grid enhancement and decarbonization. 

Click here to read the U.S. Department of Energy’s Grid Deployment Office fact sheet on the project.   

The Kaua‘i projects and a previously announced award to Hawaiian Electric are among the recipients of the largest-ever investment in America’s energy grid announced today.

Click here to read the U.S. Department of Energy announcement of more than $3.5 billion in awards across 44 states.    

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DIESEL REPLACEMENT REBATE PROGRAM HELPS BRING FIVE NEW ELECTRIC-BATTERY BUSES TO HAWAI‘I

Buses include the manufacturer’s first tour/charter EV motorcoaches in the country and adds to the EV school bus fleet on O‘ahu.

HONOLULU —  On July 20th, 2023 the Hawai‘i State Energy Office, the Hawai‘i Department of Health and Roberts Hawai‘i, Inc. debuted five new zero-emission electric-battery buses that will provide clean transportation for tourists and keiki on O‘ahu.

The buses were purchased with assistance from the Diesel Replacement Rebate (DRR) program. Funded by the Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust and the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act, the DRR provides rebates of up to 45 percent of the total purchase amount to replace medium- and heavy-duty diesel vehicles and equipment with new battery electric or hydrogen equivalents. The rebate also covers up to 45% of an EV charger per electric vehicle.

“We are absolutely committed to pursuing climate change strategies that are equitable, culturally responsive and resilient,” said Governor Josh Green, M.D. “Renewable energy and sustainable transportation are going to be a huge part of our future, so we need to build on progress we have already made, with more events like today. I want to thank all the partners gathered here for their leadership and hard work toward our clean energy goals,” Governor Green said.

“Hawai‘i’s goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at a rate greater than it produces no later than 2045 requires a significant change to how we get around,” said Hawai‘i State Chief Energy Officer Mark B. Glick. “Transportation is the leading source of greenhouse gas emissions by replacing older diesel vehicles with zero-emission alternatives helps to provide progress toward these goals.”

The DRR program is one of many activities the state is taking to achieve its renewable energy and decarbonization goals. Administered by the Hawai‘i State Energy Office in partnership with the Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH), and United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the program has allocated approximately $3.2 million in rebates to help offset the purchase of eight vehicles – seven buses and one forklift. The five buses recently dedicated were purchased during the first year of the DRR program in 2022 and arrived in recent weeks. The other vehicles are expected to be purchased through the second year of the rebate program now underway.

“The Department of Health is excited to continue our partnership with the EPA and HSEO in support of the Diesel Replacement Rebate program, modernizing Hawai‘i’s vehicles by replacing older diesel vehicles with battery-electric equivalents, supporting Hawai‘i’s climate change goals, and reducing harmful diesel engine emissions to protect public health,” said DOH Clean Air Branch Program Manager Marianne Rossio.

The rebate program provides state businesses and entities with an important tool to reduce barriers to adopting zero-emissions alternatives that in turn benefit their customers and communities.

“Roberts Hawaiʻi appreciates the Hawaiʻi State Energy Office and the Hawaiʻi Department of Health’s support through rebate assistance. While we are striving to adapt by providing zero-emission transportation options, this transformation involves new technology and it requires major upgrades to properties and, as such, the cost of electric buses, associated infrastructure, and workforce training is high.  A shared public-private cost model is necessary, and we must work together to meet the state’s 2045 zero-emission target and to protect Hawaiʻi’s environment for future generations, said Roy Pfund, President and CEO of Robert’s Hawai‘i.”

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20TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE HAWAI’I ENERGY POLICY FORUM – HAWAI’I CLIMATE WEEK

HONOLULU – Join HSEO in attendance to the 20th Anniversary of the Hawai‘i Energy Policy Forum on January 12th from 8 a.m – 5 p.m in the Campus Center Ballroom at the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa. The Hawai‘i Climate Commission, Pacific Rise, Pacific Islands Climate Adaptation Science Center and others are coming together to give the community of Hawai‘i a chance to learn more about Hawaiʻi’s pathway towards 100% renewable energy and net-negative carbon emissions by 2045.

Hosted by the Hawai‘i Natural Energy Institute and the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, this forum involves numerous representatives from fuel suppliers, electric utilities, renewable energy industry, environmental and community groups, academia, as well as federal, state and local government. Together, they will share ideas and information, recommend and advocate for policies and initiatives, and promote civic action to achieve a clean and sustainable future for Hawai‘i. 

To register, visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hawaii-energy-policy-forum-20th-anniversary-legislative-briefing-tickets-474363833997

For the agenda and more information, visit: 2023 LEGISLATIVE BRIEFING – Hawai’i Energy Policy Forum (hawaii.edu)

For general information about Climate Week, visit: Climate Change Portal | Hawaii Climate Week 2023

HAWAI‘I PACIFIC HYDROGEN HUB PROPOSAL ENCOURAGED TO SUBMIT FULL APPLICATION 

HONOLULU — The United States Department of Energy (DOE) has encouraged the Hawai‘i State Energy Office and its consortium of partners across government, community, industry, and academia to submit a Full Application for the Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub (H2Hub) program.  

The consortium concept paper details the potential for an integrated Hawai‘i Pacific Hydrogen Hub that aligns multiple existing, in-development, and proposed new hydrogen production pathways to deploy hydrogen across all sectors of Hawai‘i’s energy ecosystem and economy over the next decade.   

“Hawai‘i’ has long supported the development of clean hydrogen and we believe this proposal has significant economic and strategic value to Hawai‘i’ and the entire Indo-Pacific region,” said Chris Sadayasu, Director, Business, Economic Development, and Tourism. “Strengthening our energy security is fundamental to enhancing our food, transportation, housing, and national security. We are thrilled that the DOE has chosen this Hawai‘i-based proposal to advance to the next round of this very competitive process.” 

The DOE has encouraged applications from 33 entities to establish 6-10 regional clean hydrogen hubs nationwide to create a network of hydrogen producers, consumers, and connective infrastructure to accelerate the use of clean hydrogen across the economy. Winning proposals will receive as much as $1 billion to implement their strategies.  

The initial consortium included 21 contributing organizations, most located in Hawai‘i. While some specific details of the proposal may remain confidential through the highly competitive application process, all consortium participants are committed to working together with communities to develop the components of the H2Hub. The Hub will incorporate proactive workforce development, labor engagement, diversity, equity, inclusion, an accessibility strategy and implementation plan and Community Benefits Plan. 

The deadline for submitting the application is April 7, 2023.

INTEGRATED HAWAI‘I PACIFIC HYDROGEN HUB PROPOSAL SUPPORTS REGIONAL ECONOMIC AND ENERGY

HONOLULU — The Hawai‘i State Energy Office and a consortium of partners across government, community, industry, and academia have submitted an integrated Hawai‘i Pacific Hydrogen Hub concept proposal to the US Department of Energy’s Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub (H2Hub) program.    

As part of the $8 billion hydrogen hub program funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the US DOE is seeking proposals to establish as many as ten regional clean hydrogen hubs across the country. The hubs are intended to create networks of hydrogen producers, consumers, and connective infrastructure to accelerate the use of clean hydrogen across the economy. 

“Hawaiʻi is best positioned to demonstrate a Pacific H2Hub to convert our abundant renewable resources of sun, earth, water, wind, and agriculture into locally produced fuels for transportation, storage, grid security, fertilizer, and maritime trade,” Governor David Y. Ige said in support of the proposal. “Our state laws have supported clean hydrogen for two decades. A Hawaiʻi Pacific H2Hub supports local, national, and regional security with a pathway for Indo-Pacific integration.” 

The integrated Hawai‘i Pacific Hydrogen Hub aligns multiple existing, in-development, and proposed hydrogen production pathways that leverage existing energy infrastructure while developing new hydrogen infrastructure, to deploy hydrogen across all sectors of Hawaii’s energy ecosystem and economy over the next decade.   

“This is an important opportunity for Hawai‘i moving toward a clean energy economy. The consortium includes almost two dozen participants ranging from industry leaders to frontline communities, which demonstrates the widespread local support for increasing community resilience and economic prosperity by strengthening local energy systems and reducing reliance on imports,” added Hawai‘i State Chief Energy Officer, Scott Glenn. “The collaboration with partners representing every step in the energy infrastructure supply chain supports the generation of locally produced fuels for transportation, stored energy for utility grid security, and fertilizer for food and agricultural production.” 

The Hawai‘i Pacific Hydrogen Hub proposal also contributes a critical component to national security objectives in the region.  

“Establishing this capability in Hawai‘i further leverages the national hydrogen network into the Asia-Pacific region and supports the national and energy security objectives of the U.S. and its key regional allies,” added Major General John F. Wharton (USA-Ret) now CEO of the Global Connective Center.   

The proposal includes community collaboration and the development and coordination of a carefully crafted community benefits plan grounded in a Native Hawaiian framework to ensure at least 40% of federal H2Hub clean energy investments flow to disadvantaged communities resulting in sustainable living wages and careers in long-term industries that will increase household incomes and stimulate Hawaii’s economy. All of the consortium participants are committed to working together with communities to develop the components of the H2Hub that incorporate proactive workforce development, labor engagement, diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility strategy and implementation plan and a Community Benefits Plan relevant to each phase of the overall project. 

The consortium includes 21 contributing organizations to the 20-page concept paper filed today, most of them located in Hawai‘i.  

“DOE funding will help Hawai’i to become the first decarbonized state in the country, and a model for other communities around the world to replicate,” said Lex Heslin, a consortium member and CEO of Enso Infrastructure, a hydrogen project developer and finance company. 

“Dibshawaii and its association of local businesses and not for profit partners are thrilled to participate, demonstrate, and showcase the capabilities and consistency of our island community partners to innovate and deploy best in class technologies in the emerging industry and the growth of a Hawai‘i Pacific H2Hub.  We will be focusing on a carbon negative energy platform to educate, train, and develop people and places in the most vulnerable and diverse communities to transition to a clean and renewable energy future,” said Keoni Ford, President,  Dibshawaii, LLC. 

“Cyrq Energy, a geothermal focused, renewable energy developer, owner, and operator is pleased to contribute to and support HSEO’s effort to create a Hawai‘i Pacific hydrogen hub,” said Matt Rosenfeld, General Manager, Cyrq Energy. 

“As the only utility gas company in the nation currently blending hydrogen and renewable natural gas in our main utility fuel mix, Hawaiʻi Gas is eager to join with other local companies and organizations to help our state become one of the nation’s Regional Clean Energy Hubs,” said Kevin Nishimura, VP of Operations for Hawai’i Gas. 

“We are happy to partner with the State of Hawai‘i and other leaders in creating a cleaner energy future for our island home,” said Eric Wright, President Par Hawai‘i. 

“174 Power Global is excited for the opportunity to partner with the state of Hawai’i on this very important endeavor to start to fuel Hawai’i’s energy independence with hydrogen.” Larry Greene, VP of Development 

The Hawai‘i Pacific Hydrogen Hub concept paper is pending review and acceptance by the US Department of Energy. If the DOE acknowledges formal interest in the proposal, the consortium will submit a formal application for funding under the program in 2023.  

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About the Hawaiʻi State Energy Office 

The Hawaiʻi State Energy Office (HSEO) is an attached agency of the state’s Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. The HSEO’s mission is to promote energy efficiency, renewable energy, and clean transportation to help achieve a resilient, clean energy, decarbonized economy. HSEO is committed to developing and deploying high-impact solutions that will maximize Hawai‘i’s renewable energy resources and improve efficiency and transportation standards. Through effective policies and innovative programs, HSEO is positioning Hawai‘i as a leader in clean energy innovation, which will generate quality jobs, attract investment opportunities, and accelerate economic growth. For more information, visit energy.hawaii.gov.   

MEDIA CONTACT: 

Claudia Rapkoch 

Public Affairs Officer 

Hawaiʻi State Energy Office 

(808) 460-5998 

[email protected]  

HAWAI‘I STATE ENERGY OFFICE SEEKS INPUT ON PARTNERING OPPORTUNITIES 

HONOLULU —The Hawai‘i State Energy Office is seeking input on federal funding opportunities under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). The IIJA was signed into law by President Biden on November 15, 2021. The law authorizes $1.2 trillion in infrastructure spending addressing clean energy and power, carbon capture and utilization, clean transportation, resiliency, and more. 

“We have a historic opportunity in front of us to make Hawai‘i more clean energy resilient,” said Scott Glenn, Hawai‘i Chief Energy Officer. “We are looking for insight into potential partners who can help Hawaiʻi put our best foot forward and bring more federal dollars home to diversify our economy, provide more local jobs, help our frontline communities, and drive innovation and investment to address the climate crisis.” 

HSEO is surveying stakeholders in industry, non-governmental organizations, community organizations, and other governmental agencies to gather information that will help identify partnering opportunities and inform HSEO on possible Requests for Interest on competitive IIJA programs. HSEO seeks substantive input for successful IIJA-related partnering opportunities within state and federal rules and regulations. The survey deadline is October 12, 2022. 

Additionally, HSEO has published an IIJA Tracker on its website to provide easy public access to energy-related IIJA programs that are applicable to Hawai‘i. HSEO has identified about 100 potential funding opportunities to date. Users can sort, filter, and download information in the tracker to find opportunities that they may want to pursue.  

Click here to visit the IIJA Tracker 

Click here to take the IIJA Survey 

The tracker and survey are geared only to the IIJA at this time. The recently passed Inflation Reduction Act also has potential funding opportunities for competitive grants and HSEO will provide details as they become available.  

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