Categorized | Business, Energy

Federal grants to increase solar, renewable energy

MEDIA RELEASE

The State of Hawaii was awarded more than $7 million in federal grants for renewable energy projects that include increasing solar energy and electric vehicles in Hawaii, Gov. Neil Abercrombie announced at Tuesday’s opening of the 2011 Asia Pacific Clean Energy Summit and Expo.

The U.S. Department of Energy recently announced the following grants:

* $6.1 million to the University of Hawaii (UH) to work with industry partners to allow the electric grid to take on more solar energy by developing and demonstrating state of the art photovoltaic (PV) inverters

* $750,000 to state Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism (DBEDT) to provide technical assistance to the Public Utilities Commission and ultimately help remove barriers to allow for more renewable energy on the electric grid

* $300,000 to the UH Maui College in partnership with DBEDT and private industry to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles in Hawaii

“To move beyond just talking about energy independence in Hawaii, many people are now doing the intricate and necessary technical work behind the scenes,” Abercrombie said. “The partnerships we are building among government agencies, utilities and private companies are advancing our plans to grow a sustainable economy here in the islands. And our strong alignment with President Obama’s clean energy initiatives opens up new opportunities for Hawaii agencies, companies, and entrepreneurs.”

The number of PV systems, which generate electricity from sunlight, has doubled in each of the last three years, making Hawaii second in the nation in photovoltaic per capita use.

The two federal grants received by DBEDT and UH will help improve the reliability of the electricity delivery system as we continue to expand our use of renewable energy sources. Right now, electricity is generated when the sun is shining or the wind is blowing.

The projects will address both technical and regulatory changes to address the variability of solar power and other renewable energy.

“The technology developed through these grants has the potential to facilitate a broader adoption of PV systems at lower costs,” said Dr. Rick Rocheleau, Director of UH’s Hawaii Natural Energy Institute (HNEI).

“These grants are important investments in Hawaii’s efforts to move toward energy independence,” said Estrella Seese, Acting Energy Program Administrator of DBEDT’s State Energy Office. “With the many strategic partnerships between state agencies including UH, the USDOE and energy industry, Hawaii is poised to reduce its dependence on imported fuels within two decades.”

The Asia Pacific Clean Energy Summit and Expo, hosted by DBEDT at the Hawaii Convention Center, is a meeting place for international leaders and energy experts.

Over the next three days, the State of Hawaii and its partners will host a roster of world-renown speakers who will share diverse insights into the implications of advanced renewable energy technologies along with cutting-edge projects, while offering their perspectives on policy issues, and investment and financing opportunities.

This morning’s speakers also included R. James Woolsey, former Central Intelligence Director, and Dr. George Kailiwai, U.S. Pacific Command, Director of Resources and Assessment.

3 Responses to “Federal grants to increase solar, renewable energy”

  1. Mike Straub says:

    Great news for Hawaii, and the rest of the world. With the right moves, Hawaii can be a world leader in growing renewable energies. I know there is a lot of talk at the expo about Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC), it’s an emission free, 24/7 power source that’s been proven in Hawaii before and can become a huge opportunity for the Islands today. The On Project has lots more info and news http://tiny.cc/wa9va If you’re going to the expo, ask around about OTEC, you will definitely like what you hear.

  2. Fred M Aki III says:

    I’m looking to start a solar project on the island of Molokai. I’m now gathering info to start up, if any one has information on sponser, grands, or other project in Hawaii please contact me at fredandsuli@live.com. Thank you and green living to every one.

  3. Pete says:

    Hello Friends

    HELCO needs to be vanquished and put down as the leading opponent to solar energy progress in the state of Hawaii. Without long explanation(s) HELCO gives pathetic credit for reclaimed power – far far below the price they charge their customers IF you call us little people that must bow in reverence to the HELCO gods and thank them as they rip us off and keep us addicted to fosil fuels. No research or development of low voltage technology; one rule after another to defeat efforts towards green alternatives. We must protest and occupy HELCO. Why 40′ wood poles; little UD conduit blah blah blah. Defeat this monster and show them the fatty part of the hand across their buttocks. Shame on these wankers.

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