Hawaii is in a vulnerable position since nearly 77% of it's electricity and over 99% of it's transportation fuels come from petroleum, all of which has to be imported into the state. And because of the high cost of petroleum Hawaii pays some of the highest energy prices in the nation. So the state has more incentive than most to do something about their energy situation.
Hawaii recently released a report detailing their efforts and progress towards greater energy security. Here are some of the highlights.
Hawai‘i's primary energy consumption in 2006 was down 1.8 percent compared to 2005.
Petroleum use in the state declined 2.7 percent between 2005 and 2006.
Renewable energy production increased by 9.8 percent in 2006. This increase can be attributed to generation from municipal solid waste, hydroelectricity and wind.
Municipal solid waste energy and hydropower production increased by about 12 percent and 13 percent, respectively.
Wind power increased by a dramatic 1,123 percent due to the influx from the new facilities at Kaheawa Wind Power and Hawai‘i Renewable Development.
Although they still have a long way to go, they have made some substantial progress for one years period of time. The full report is especially interesting since it goes into detail about the states present and future efforts including projects for both ethanol and biodiesel.
Full Press Release
Full Report (PDF)
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