Hawaii has already saved more than a billion dollars in energy costs, and now the state government is pushing for Moloka'i to take advantage of the same benefits of switching to renewable energy sources. Companies are eager to provide access to these advantages to a wider range of customers. The state has set a goal of using 100% renewable energy by 2045, and Molokai could be on track to achieve that if all goes well. The concept of transforming the island into a renewable energy source has been around for some time, and Hawaiian Electric is now taking part in the process. However, the social and political challenges may be more complex than the technical ones.
To learn more about this program, visit the Community-Based Renewable Energy (CBRE) page. Hawaiian Electric, which controls the Molokai grid, must comply with the state legislature's mandate to convert the five island grids it operates to 100% renewable energy by 2045. Todd Yamashita from Molokai is president of the Hoahu Energy Cooperative, Molokai, another key local organization involved in planning the island's energy future. Sust'āinable Molokai's energy efficiency efforts have also contributed to the problem, according to Maui Electric's renewable energy manager, Gregg Kresge. Hawaiian Electric will offer a CBRE training event for potential proponents on the performance requirements of the Molokai CBRE RFP, the Intermediate-Level Standard Contract (Intermediate Level SFC), and the Lanai CBRE RFP, the Dispatchable Renewable Generation Power Purchase Agreement (RDG PPA).The Ho'ahu community solar cooperative proposal, under Hawaiian Electric's community-based renewable energy (CBRE) program, would generate approximately 2.5 megawatts of solar energy with the addition of battery storage, which would be located on 16 acres near the Pala'au power plant site.
Recently, Noordhoek left Sust'āinable Molokai to carry out the project under a state community-based renewable energy program. The lessons of Moloka'i could have a global application as continental grids face similar challenges in terms of renewable energy. By making use of renewable energy sources in Molokai, Hawaii, residents can save a significant amount of money while also helping to protect the environment.
