Column: Hawaii’s energy goals have room for renewable natural gas

As Hawaii works to become 100% carbon neutral by 2045, Hawaii Gas is doing its part to reduce the effects of climate change our state, and the planet, by producing clean and renewable energy, including solar.

Hawaii Gas welcomed a 6.5 megawatt solar farm in Mililani to its ohana of companies in 2016. Our company is currently producing renewable natural gas (RNG) from wastewater at the Honouliuli Wastewater Treatment Plant and creating hydrogen, another renewable gas, possibly the energy of the future, at its synthetic natural gas (SNG) facility in Campbell Industrial Park.

Hawaii Gas is turning your waste into renewable biogas. It is cleaning up the environment and reducing greenhouse gases by the equivalent of 400 cars a year while eliminating the need for 15,000 barrels of oil. It took seven years to get to this point with the City and County of Honolulu, but we believe the time and effort was worth it.

As Mayor Kirk Caldwell stated in his state of the city address, Hawaii Gas stands ready to partner with the City and County on additional RNG plants in at least two more locations. We look forward to producing more renewable energy through government partnerships and private entities.

Unfortunately, our current production of renewable energy, and our goal to produce more clean energy, is being minimized. Bill 25, currently moving through the City Council, includes a section that would eliminate the choice for residents to use economical and efficient gas-powered water heaters, which can also run on RNG.

In 2010, the state of Hawaii mandated solar water heaters for all new home construction, but also recognized that solar water heaters were not always the best option. Lawmakers included reasonable exceptions for high costs and for places with less sunlight. This was not only sensible but also demonstrated responsible leadership in recognizing that there cannot be a “one-size fits all” approach to water-heating systems.

Bill 25 eliminates options and costs consumers more money. The current estimated cost difference between a gas and a solar water heater is at least $7,000. This cost is based on home installations that range from $1,000 to $2,500 for an on-demand gas water heater and between $8,000 and $10,000 for a solar water heater, excluding federal tax credits that are about to expire.

Renewable is not just about solar and wind. Renewable also includes gas energy, which provides for the needs of tens of thousands of Hawaii families and businesses. Gas is the choice for many because it is affordable and reliable. Beyond that, it is 30% cleaner than oil and 50% cleaner than coal.

In July, on Kauai, we witnessed what happens when electricity and solar go down. When a provider’s largest generator failed, there was not enough sunlight to keep the power on, resulting in an islandwide blackout. Hawaii residents and businesses need a dependable source of clean energy to avoid disruption.

Gas energy has proven that it is a reliable resource we can count on, especially in emergency situations. As an island state, it is important that we have more than just one energy source to choose from.

There is a role for solar and wind. And, there is a role for gas energy, and an increasing role for renewable gas, in Hawaii’s energy future. The availability of those resources provides Hawaii families and businesses with energy affordability, choice and dependability for our economic well-being and quality of life.

Alicia Moy is CEO of Hawaii Gas