During the global energy crisis, Hawaii was forced to find new sources of oil. It was the main fuel source of the islands and was often imported in large quantities. Hawaii imported 29,000,000 barrels of crude oil from abroad in 2016. The state is working hard to increase solar and wind energy production, even though it's unlikely Hawaii will ever build a nuclear power station.
In 2008, Hawaiian Clean Energy Initiative launched with the mission to provide clean energy for 70% of Hawaii's electricity requirements by 2030. The initiative brings together business leaders, policymakers, and community members to advance the transition to renewable energy. It was also developed in partnership with U.S. Department of Energy. The Initiative covers not only wind and sun, but also solar thermal energy, concentrating solar power, biofuel form algae, desalinating drinking waters for export, and solar thermal power.
Hawaiian Electric Companies is the largest state-owned electric utility and has set a goal to be 100% renewable by 2045. Hawaiian Electric also plans closing the last Hawaii coal-fired power plant by 2022. Hawaiian Electric will continue to use oil to recharge its battery until the construction of renewable energy is possible. The utility raised concerns with the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission over the potential dangers associated with charging its battery from oil-fired power sources.
Hawaiian Electric has also vowed to close the Barbers Point coal plant, which is operated on West Oahu. This will result in 40 job losses for the community. The company does hope to reassign the employees to other jobs in Hawaii. The utility recently announced plans for a revamp of the state grid.
Hawaiian Electric Companies has increased the participation of stakeholders in its planning process to modernize its grid. The company recently submitted a plan for the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission. This plan described the company's priorities. It also highlighted the importance and necessity of a comprehensive grid-modernization strategy. It also detailed how the company would incorporate customer inputs into its planning process.
The company will install an energy storage system large enough to store its excess energy. The system can be described as a gigantic battery. The system is designed to provide Hawaii with a reliable source of electricity after the AES coal plant closes. The system will provide more than 3 megawatts PV generation, over 4.5 megawatts energy storage and more than three thousand megawatt hours of energy storage.
Hawaiian Electric was recently required by the PUC to report on progress toward its renewable energy goals. It also ruled that Hawaiian Electric could not require community-based renewable power programs to have storage.
Hawaiian Electric Companies initially planned for the state having a one direction flow of electricity. This plan is currently being revised to address concerns regarding a two way flow of energy. The company plans on working with other Hawaiian Electric Companies in order to improve the flow and quality of energy. It proposes a system-based approach to energy planning.