The Blue Planet Foundation gave Hawaii a "C-" grade for its ongoing effort to change from an oil-dependent economy to one fueled by clean energy.
Hawaii’s performance varied widely in five key metrics, ranging from a "D" in the transportation sector to a "B" in energy efficiency, according to the organization’s first Energy Report Card for Hawaii, set to be released today at the Asia Pacific Clean Energy Summit.
The 42-page progress report, to be outlined by Blue Planet founder Henk Rogers during his keynote address, will identify a number of gaps in industry efforts to wean the state off oil. Oil accounts for nearly 90 percent of all energy generated in Hawaii, the highest percentage of any state, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Blue Planet gave Hawaii a "D" for smart grid development, a "C-" for energy economics and a "B-" for its use of renewable energy sources.
"We can only manage what we measure," said Jeff Mikulina, Blue Planet Foundation chief executive officer. He said the grades were a reflection of the state’s progress toward its clean-energy goals. The Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative calls for clean energy to provide 70 percent of Hawaii’s energy needs by 2030, with 30 percent from efficiency measures and 40 percent coming from locally generated renewable sources.
Energy efficiency stands out as a bright spot, with per capita electricity generation dropping steadily below the target trend since 2008, according to the report.
"Hawaii can be proud of its success in reducing energy use per person," Mikulina said.
"Homeowners and businesses are increasingly taking control of their energy future through efficiency and rooftop solar. Hawaii is literally doing more with less."
Renewable sources accounted for nearly 14 percent of the electricity consumed in Hawaii last year, according to data from the state Energy Office. The state is expected to hit its target of 15 percent renewable by 2015, according to Energy Office officials. The target is 25 percent by 2020 and 40 percent by 2030.
The report card also shows that transportation, which accounts for two-thirds of Hawaii’s fossil fuel consumption, remains an area that demands improvement. Land transportation offers the most immediate opportunities for reducing fuel consumption, according to the report.
"Greater fuel efficiency, alternative fuels, lowering mileage and electric vehicles all have roles to play. The key challenge is identifying substitutes for aviation fuels, highlighting the need to focus on local biofuels for transportation rather than electricity generation," according to the report.
