TAIPEI, Taiwan, November 20, 2008 (ENS) – Hawaii Governor Linda Lingle Tuesday announced a new energy partnership to develop a 10 megawatt ocean thermal energy conversion pilot plant in Hawaii. Electricity will be generated from the difference in temperature between the ocean’s warm surface and its colder depths.

Governor Lingle made the announcement from Taiwan, where she is meeting with officials to promote tourism and business partnerships as part of her ongoing 11 day trip to Asia.

During the Governor’s official state visit to Taiwan, she came to an agreement with the Taiwan Industrial Technology Research Institute and the Lockheed Martin Corporation to build the initial pilot plant in Hawaii.

OTEC systems work by converting solar radiation to electric power. As long as the temperature between the warm surface water and the cold deep water differs by about 36°F, an OTEC system can produce a significant amount of power, turning the oceans a vast renewable resource, with the potential to produce billions of watts of electric power.

Hawaii Governor Linda Lingle, second from
right, with officials from the Taiwan Industrial
Technology Research Institute and the
Lockheed Martin Corporation in Taipei, Taiwan.
(Photo courtesy Office of the Governor)

“As island economies in the Pacific, Taiwan and the State of Hawaii share very similar challenges of overdependence on imported petroleum for their energy needs,” Governor Lingle said. “Taiwan and Hawaii also share a common vision and plan to increase renewable and clean energy generation based on indigenous energy resources.”

The current economics of energy production have delayed the financing of a permanent, continuously operating ocean thermal energy conversion plant. But OTEC technology is viewed as promising for tropical island communities that rely heavily on imported fuel.

Hawaii currently relies on imported fossil fuel for about 94 percent of its primary energy – the balance is from renewable resources such as wind, solar and geothermal power.

Ocean thermal energy conversion plants could provide islanders with much-needed power, as well as desalinated water.

Taiwan is even more dependent on imported fuels than Hawaii, with less than one percent of its primary supply derived from indigenous renewable sources.

The Bureau of Energy of Taiwan is working to increase conservation and energy efficiency, and to develop renewable energy so that it accounts for 12 percent of Taiwan’s total installed capacity by 2020.

The ocean temperatures and the subsea terrain make the waters surrounding both Taiwan and Hawaii superior locations for this technology.

This latest agreement with Taiwan complements the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative, a partnership between the State of Hawaii and the U.S. Department of Energy which will move the state away from its dependence on fossil fuels and toward a clean energy economy that is intended to be a model for other states and regions.

Bethesda-based Lockheed Martin Corporation has developed and studied ocean thermal energy conversion technology for over 30 years. Its plans for a 10 megawatt OTEC pilot plant in Hawaii are already underway.

Most OTEC research and development in recent decades has been performed at the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority, or NELHA, located at Keahole Point, Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii. It has become the world’s foremost laboratory and test facility for OTEC technologies.

Huge pipelines bringing cold, deep ocean water to the surface have enabled the demonstration of a variety of ocean thermal energy conversion components and pilot plants.

The first closed-cycle, at-sea OTEC plant to generate net electricity, was deployed in the waters off the NELHA lab in 1979. It was dubbed Mini-OTEC.

Lockheed Missiles and Space Company was a partner in that effort as well as subsequent research at NELHA.

In May 1993, an open-cycle OTEC plant at NELHA, produced 50,000 watts of electricity during a net power-producing experiment. This broke the record of 40,000 watts set by a Japanese system in 1982.

Today, scientists are developing new, cost-effective, state-of-the-art turbines for open-cycle OTEC systems, yet currently there is no facility in Hawaii producing electricity using OTEC technology.

In January 2008, Governor Lingle announced the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative, an unprecedented partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy that aims to have at least 70 percent of Hawaii’s power come from clean energy within one generation – by 2030.

Lingle says that as Hawaii is the world’s most isolated archipelago and is also the most oil-dependent state in America, a clean energy future for Hawaii isn’t simply a desire – it’s a necessity.

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WASHINGTON, DC, November 14, 2008 (ENS) – The National Governors Association Center for Best Practices has selected seven states to participate in a Policy Academy designed to help states develop an action plan and implementation strategy to improve energy use in buildings.

Buildings consume more energy than any other sector of the U.S. economy and account for nearly three-quarters of electricity generation, about 40 percent of carbon dioxide emissions, and large amounts of on-site fuel use.

“States can play a major role in reducing energy use in buildings through improved codes, incentives for adopting energy efficient technologies, education, and other measures,” said John Thomasian, director of the NGA Center. “This Policy Academy will help states work through some of the challenges they face when developing policies to improve energy efficiency and increase use of renewable energy in buildings.”

States were chosen to participate in the academy through a competitive process open to all states and U.S. territories. The states of Arizona, Florida, Hawaii, Iowa, Michigan, Utah and Wisconsin, representing both hot and cold parts of the country, were selected.

“This project comes at the perfect time for Hawaii as we continue to maximize our federal and private partnerships to increase Hawaii’s energy independence,” said Governor Linda Lingle of Hawaii.

Hotels and apartment buildings in Honolulu,
Hawaii (Photo credit unknown)

Hawaii’s central challenge is its high dependence on imported fossil fuel for its energy needs. Ninety-six percent of the crude oil refined and consumed in the state is from sources outside the United States, leaving Hawaii especially vulnerable to supply disruptions. Seventy-eight percent of Hawaii’s electricity generation is from diesel and 13 percent is from coal, resulting in the highest energy costs in the nation.

“State leadership is critical to meeting our long term energy challenges,” said John Mizroch, the U.S. Department of Energy’s acting assistant secretary for energy efficiency and renewable energy.

In addition to financial assistance, the Energy Department will support Policy Academy states with experts from national labs and other technical resources.

“Building efficiency is the cheapest, most abundant source of energy to meet our growing electricity demand,” said Mizroch. “Policies that incentivize all levels of investment in building efficiency and renewable energy can unleash untapped resources, help our economy, improve our environment, and increase our energy security.”

At this point, suggested strategies are familiar – improving building codes and encouraging participation in voluntary certification programs; increasing consumption from renewable sources; and funding the effort with low-interest loans, utility rate restructuring, or public benefit funds.

While some states have improved energy efficiency and increased reliance on renewable resources in new and existing buildings using these strategies, the National Governors Association believes that many cost-effective opportunities remain untapped due to market and policy barriers.

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HONOLULU, Hawaii, April 6, 2008 (ENS) – The U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory has signed a memorandum of understanding with a Massachusetts-based wind farm company to establish a remote research affiliate partner site on Maui.

It is the first such partner site for the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s wind technology program outside of its base in Colorado.

UPC Wind Partners LLC will use the site to study the integration of wind technology into the Hawaii utility system.

The 30 megawatt UPC Wind Partners Kaheawa wind farm is located in the West Maui Mountains high above Maui’s coastline. It generates enough power to supply nine percent of Maui’s electrical needs.

Hawaii Governor Linda Lingle announced the collaborative public-private partnership to establish a wind technology program on March 31 in Honolulu.

“The establishment of a partner site of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory on Maui recognizes our islands’ abundant renewable resources, and the advancements we are making to transform Hawaii into one of the world’s first economies based primarily on clean energy resources,” said the governor.

This latest partnership expands on the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative between the State of Hawaii and the U.S. Department of Energy that started in January and aims to have 70 percent of Hawaii’s energy come from clean, renewable sources by 2030.

UPC Wind Partners’ Kaheawa wind farm
in the West Maui Mountains
(Photo courtesy UPC Wind)

The Maui partner site at UPC Wind’s Kaheawa Wind Farm will conduct research and development on advanced wind energy technologies, including operational and control studies, energy storage options and integration of renewable electricity into existing grids.

“Governor Lingle has made a concerted effort to encourage wind power development in Hawaii, as the state seeks to grow its energy independence,” said Paul Gaynor, president and chief executive of UPC Wind Partners, LLC.

“We’re looking forward to participating in this partnership to help develop new technologies that can grow the wind industry as the leading provider of renewable power in the country,” Gaynor said.

The research aims to help maximize the integration of wind into Hawaii’s utility system so that this renewable resource can compete with traditional energy sources, providing a clean, renewable alternative for Hawaii’s and the nation’s energy needs.

“This partnership will provide Hawaii with invaluable technical assistance, access to leading-edge research, and relationships with additional national partners as we seek to develop innovative approaches to increase our energy independence and reduce our reliance on imported fossil fuels,” the governor said.

“The U.S. Department of Energy is pleased to commit the expertise of its National Renewable Energy Laboratory to help harness Hawaii’s unique abundance of natural resources and showcase the broad benefits of renewable energy technologies and alternative fuels at work on an unprecedented scale,” said Andy Karsner the Department of Energy’s assistant secretary for energy efficiency and renewable energy.

Karsner said, “We look forward to further public-private partnerships that will advance the goals of the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative and serve as an example to be replicated in the United States and other island communities around the world.”

“This is the first presence for the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s wind technology program outside of its base in Colorado,” said NREL Director Dan Arvizu who was in Hawaii to sign the agreement and inspect the new Maui site.

“NREL recognizes the potential in Hawaii both to deploy wind technologies to meet our energy needs and to use successes here as models for other states and regions.”

Wind energy is one of many renewable resources and technologies being built into the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative.

“For Hawaii to achieve the bold 70 percent clean energy target in one generation, partnerships between the public and private sectors; among federal, state and local government entities and between research institutions and industry will be critical,” said Governor Lingle, a Republican. “It will require a fundamental transformation in how Hawaii generates, transmits and uses energy.”

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HONOLULU, Hawaii, January 28, 2008 (ENS) – Rich in sun and wind, Hawaii is on track to become one of the world’s first economies based on clean energy resources under a long-term agreement signed today by representatives of the state and federal governments. The agreement sets a goal of using renewable resources such as wind, sun, ocean, geothermal, and bioenergy to supply 70 percent or more of Hawaii’s energy needs by 2030.

Hawaii Governor Linda Lingle and Alexander Karsner, U.S. Department of Energy, DOE, assistant secretary for energy efficiency and renewable energy, today signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative.

The goal is to reduce the state’s dependence on imported oil and help bring energy price stability to Hawaii consumers.

Hawaii gas prices are the highest in the nation. AAA and the Oil Price Information Service say the national average is $2.98 a gallon. In Hawaii, it’s $3.50 a gallon, up 56 cents from a year ago.

Another goal of the initiative is to curb climate change. In 2007, Hawaii became the second state in the nation, after California, to establish a cap on greenhouse gas emissions.

“This innovative, unprecedented partnership builds on the progress the state has made to increase energy independence by decreasing Hawaii’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 Hawaii lead America in utilizing clean, renewable energy technologies.”

Solar electric panels on rooftop
at U.S. Naval Station Pearl
Harbor generate enough power
for 300 homes. (Photo courtesy
HNEI)

“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 Hawaii,” Assistant Secretary Karsner said.

DOE will focus on working with public and private partners to design cost-effective approaches for 100 percent use of renewable energy on smaller islands.

Systems will be put in place to improve stability of electrical grids operating with variable generating sources, such as wind power plants on the Island of Hawaii and Maui.

Renewable energy, including solar, wind, energy storage and advanced vehicle technologies will be integrated into existing systems to meet the islands’ energy needs.

At new large military housing developments, energy use will be minimized while energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies will be maximized.

Hawaii’s capability to use locally grown crops as byproducts for producing fuel and electricity will be expanded.

And comprehensive energy regulatory and policy frameworks to promote clean energy technology use will be developed.

“With an abundance of natural resources and environmental treasures, Hawaii is the ideal location to showcase the broad benefits of renewable energy at work on an unprecedented scale,” said Karsner.

“Hawaii’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,” he said.

The partnership will provide technical assistance and technology program support for projects that draw on technologies developed through a range of DOE research and development programs.

The Hawaii 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.

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HONOLULU, Hawaii, January 23, 2008 (ENS) – Hawaii Governor Linda Lingle has unveiled a plan to develop large solar power arrays at 12 locations around the sunny state, highlighting what she calls “her administration’s commitment to developing renewable energy in Hawaii.”

Under the plan, the state Department of Transportation, DOT, Airports Division is soliciting proposals from private companies to develop photovoltaic systems that could generate as much as 34 megawatts of electricity at 11 DOT sites, as well as the Hawaii Foreign-Trade Zone in downtown Honolulu.

All 12 systems are scheduled to be completed and operational within the next 24 months.

The project originated when the DOT researched possible renewable energy sources for Kona International Airport on the Big Island in order to take advantage of the location’s year-round sunny weather to help reduce electricity costs.

The solar power project was then expanded to other DOT sites. Installation work is now scheduled at Honolulu International Airport and airports on all the other main islands; at Honolulu harbor and at Nawiliwili harbor on Kauai; and DOT Highway Division district offices on Oahu and Kauai.

One of the solar arrays is
planned for sunny Honolulu
International Airport. (Photo
courtesy SOEST)

“This is one of the largest, if not the largest, state government solar initiatives in the nation,” said Ted Liu, director of the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism.

A 34-megawatt photovoltaic system will reduce Hawai‘i’s need for approximately 130,000 barrels of fuel oil per year and would generate enough power to supply about 9,000 homes per year.

The added power will be welcome as the island state is 92 percent dependent on fossil fuel, all of it imported.

“Our administration is committed to developing renewable sources of power to reduce our reliance on imported oil, increase our energy independence and stabilize energy costs,” said Governor Lingle.

“Constructing large solar power arrays at DOT sites and in downtown Honolulu capitalizes on one of Hawai‘i’s most abundant natural resources and produces energy without polluting the environment,” she said. “This project also shows that state government is leading by example in the critical areas of energy and the environment.”

The plan is based on a public-private partnership where private companies construct the photovoltaic systems and then enter into an agreement for the state to purchase all power produced for a minimum of 20 years.

This allows the state to avoid construction and operating costs while also establishing a stable, long-term power budget. There are also substantial benefits for the private sector.

“Any private company would be able to reduce project costs by taking advantage of state and federal energy tax credits not otherwise available to government agencies,” Liu said.

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