What's happening at PGV
Friday January 22, 2010
Renewables a Major Focus for 2010 Legislature
Governor Linda Lingle applauded the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative in her State of the State address and backed it with legislative initiatives. The administration plans to introduce a number of clean energy bills this session, including incentives for hybrid vehicles and the electrical charging stations to service them.
Hawaii’s renewable energy brain trust is also geared up for a pivotal session. In January the Hawaii Energy Policy Forum reported on “the state of energy in the energy state.”
Puna Geothermal Venture plant manager Michael Kaleikini was among those who updated lawmakers on advances across the alternative energy spectrum—wind, water, solar and earth, including geothermal.
It’s worth noting that petroleum-based power usage around the islands for the first time is below 85 percent.
In Hawaii, geothermal energy accounts for 30 percent of the state’s renewable resources. Jet fuel has been made from algae. Solar rooftop potential is exploding. The undersea cable is back in play.
On the Big Island, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is planning plug-in hybrid shuttles using hydrogen fuel. Electrical power from PGV, available 24/7, is a potential source.
Puna Geothermal Venture is pleased to be included at the table as Hawaii seeks to forge a new energy future.