Hawaii could have up to 800MW of installed offshore wind capacity by 2045, helping this US island state source all of its energy from renewable resources in the next thirty tears, the Hawaiian Electric Companies said in their updated energy plan.
The utilities also said that off-island resources, such as offshore wind and the use of an interisland cable, need to be studied further to better understand their respective risks and relative costs.
The Power Supply Improvement Plan Update has been submitted to the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission (PUC) for its review. The updated plan has been put forward collectively by Hawaiian Electric, Maui Electric, and Hawaii Electric Light Company.
The energy plan update included computer modeling of more than 130 different scenarios that could possibly meet the 100 per cent renewables goal. The companies’ plan calls for partnering with customers and renewable energy developers to invest in a diverse mix of renewable energy resources.
“Our plans show that a 100 per cent renewable energy future can be achieved,” said Alan Oshima, president and CEO of Hawaiian Electric Company.
“We want to work with parties from all segments of our community – government, business, community, and environmental groups – to refine the plans for Hawaii’s energy future. And while the vision remains the same, a 30-year plan to get there will naturally change given the rapid development of new technology, changing policy and costs, and other factors.”