At one time, Hawaii had the dubious distinction of being the most fossil fuel dependent state in the U.S. In an effort to convert to clean energy, Hawaii established the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative (HCEI) in 2008 with an ambitious goal of becoming energy independent and less dependent on imported oil as an energy source. In the 10 short years since establishing this initiative, Hawaii has seen a significant increase in its renewable energy portfolio.
From its beginning, the HCEI set out to diversity Hawaii’s energy portfolio and modernize its electricity grids. The state became a testing ground for innovations in solar energy and established itself as a solar energy marketplace.
Hawaii has made significant strides toward becoming energy independent, but it still has a long way to go. Currently, 80 percent of Hawaii’s energy comes from imported oil supplies. Future goals of the HCEI include continuing clean energy incentives and reducing petroleum use in Hawaii’s transportation sector, which currently accounts for two-thirds of Hawaii’s energy usage. By 2045, the goal of HCEI is for Hawaii to have a 100 percent renewable energy portfolio.
Utility Hawaiian Electric and subsidiary companies Maui Electric and Hawaii Electric Light have reduced fossil fuel use by 26 percent since the establishment of HCEI in 2008. Fossil fuel usage is forecast to drop by 60 percent by 2022. Carbon dioxide emissions are also forecast to be reduced by 1.2 million tons.
In 2018, approximately 3,000 Hawaii homes converted to a private rooftop solar system, which increases residential solar use to 77,000 solar energy systems. That means that one in three Hawaii homes is now powered by solar energy.
Hawaii is setting the standard for renewable energy initiatives. Hawaii’s renewable energy goals are aggressive—but not unattainable. Other states struggling with reducing dependence on fossil fuels could follow the lead of Hawaii in committing to establishing bold renewable energy goals for the future.
