Pacific Breezes Part II

This is the continuation of the guest blog by Roger Short.

So, how has Hawaii gone about its intent to get wind power and other renewables into its strategic plan?

1. Start with a clear goal in mind:

         -The state's official position is to have 40 percent renewable energy sources, including biofuel, geothermal and wave energy, in place by 2030.

         -Hawaii is not alone in going this way. Other Islands are looking to more ambitious goals up to 60% by 2030.

2. Be up front about expectations

         -"We may not be able to guarantee better rates, but we can guarantee stable pricing," 

3. Don't ignore side benefits like reduction of coal and oil consumption.

4. Layout a timetable and the process, e.g.

         -"The project developers expect to complete a final environmental impact statement in September or October.  The environmental study must address questions raised by members of the public, including concerns about noise."

         -"The Planning Commission is the county agency that would accept the project's final environmental impact statement. Then, it must get state and county permits before construction can begin."

5. Hold productive meetings that lead to good press support, such as this quote from the Maui News:

         "A good portion of the meeting was about the benefits of clean energy"

6. Monitor the impact of renewables, if any on their key business, tourism.  There has been no impact on tourism.

And here's a sample of the projects that have followed the above six steps and have been approved:

         -Hawaii PUC has approved an agreement between First Wind and Hawaiian Electric Company for the utility to purchase wind energy produced by the proposed 69 MW Kawailoa Wind Project on Oahu’s North Shore, 12/13/11.

         -Maui Electric has received approval from the Hawaii PUC on a 20-year contract for the company to purchase wind power from Sempra Generation's Auwahi Wind project on Maui, 6/16/11.

         -Sempra Generation has entered a 20-year contract -- subject to PUC approval -- to sell wind power to Maui Electric from the Auwahi Wind project on Ulupalakua Ranch, 4/7/2011.

         -The Kahuku Wind project commences commercial operations, 3/24/11

A more complete list of the wind projects can be found at this site.        

A new study has found that large-scale wind and solar projects can be integrated on Oahu's electric grid, eliminating the need to burn approximately 2.8 million barrels of low sulfur fuel oil and 132,000 tons of coal each year, while maintaining system reliability, 3/17/11

 * * * 

If only the citizens of Ontario were to follow this shining example, the Province could be well along with its plans too.