Hawaiʻi Gas sets its sights on new renewable energy projects on Oʻahu
The company will partner with Eurus Energy America on an upcoming renewable hydrogen project and Hawaiʻi-based Bana Pacific for a renewable natural gas project
Hawaiʻi Gas has announced the selection of two projects from its 2023 request for proposals for renewable green hydrogen and renewable natural gas (RNG), key resources that will enable the company to shift away from its reliance on fossil fuel. Both projects will produce gas on Oʻahu and will enable Hawaiʻi Gas to increase hydrogen and RNG concentrations in its fuel mix.
The selection of these two projects represents forward movement on Hawaiʻi Gas’ path toward decarbonization, with a focus on diversification, energy resiliency, and maintaining affordability.
“We are firm in our commitment to a sustainable and energy-resilient Hawaiʻi,” said Alicia Moy, president and CEO of Hawaiʻi Gas. “While we have led the nation in hydrogen and RNG blending for over 50 years, it’s our kuleana to continue innovating to further reduce our overall carbon footprint. Partnering with Eurus Energy America and Bana Pacific helps increase our investment in renewables, diversifies our fuel supply with local resources, and demonstrates projects that can scale and support the state’s clean energy goals.”
Hawaiʻi Gas’ synthetic natural gas plant on Oʻahu blends hydrogen and RNG in its utility fuel mix. | Photo: courtesy of Hawaiʻi Gas
Hawaiʻi Gas’ synthetic natural gas (SNG), produced on Oʻahu since 1974, currently contains up to 15% hydrogen—the highest percentage of any natural gas utility in the United States. Through this future partnership with Eurus Energy America, Hawaiʻi Gas aims to increase the percentage of hydrogen in its fuel mix to up to 20%.
Hawaiʻi Gas has produced RNG from biogas at the City and County of Honolulu’s Honouliuli Wastewater Treatment Plant since 2018. The new Bana Pacific project will be a complementary facility, growing and utilizing bana grass as a feedstock to produce RNG. Also known in Hawai’i as cane grass, the non-invasive grass is currently used as cattle feed and requires relatively little water to grow.
Hawai’i Gas continues to explore a variety of future projects to advance its clean energy goals. For more information, visit hawaiigas.com.
