Through a competitive bidding framework the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission implemented in 2006, the Hawaiian Electric Co. says it is seeking developers interested in supplying up to 100 MW of renewable energy to Oahu’s power grid.
The additional renewable energy will add to existing resources on Oahu, including the a 46 MW waste-to-energy plant and an industrial park plant which will provide 110 MW using renewable biodiesel beginning in 2009.
HECO says it is also installing a 218 KW PV system at another of its facilities.
“The growing contribution of renewable generation is an essential part of the portfolio of resources, including increased energy conservation and efficiency, needed to meet Hawaii’s future energy needs,” according to the company.
With its Global Warming Solutions Act of 2007 Hawaii became the second state in the U.S. to cap greenhouse gas emissions. The legislation calls for reducing the amount of greenhouse gases created in the state to 1990 levels by the year 2020.
Companies – including Costco and Wal-Mart – have seen Hawaii as an ideal state to install solar power.
