Renewable Energy Technology Assessments - Kauai Island Utility ...

Kaua’i Island Utility Cooperative
Renewable Energy Technology Assessments 1.0 Executive Summary
negative environmental impacts, whereas the Wailua hydro project has significant
environmental impacts because it requires development of a new reosource.
The scores from the preceding categories were combined with the technology
maturity, socioeconomic impact, and incentives/barriers scores to produce the final score
for each project. Figure 1-6 shows the breakdown of the final scoring results. Hydro and
wind projects were generally the highest scoring types of projects due to their relatively
low cost, high suitability for KIUC, and minimal environmental impact. While the MSW
and biomass projects offer considerable socioeconomic benefits, the cost and
unsuitability for KIUC in the near-term caused these projects be scored lower. The
exception is an MSW plant with a high tipping fee. The economics of such a project are
very attractive and cause it to score highest of all projects evaluated. The economic
viability of the project is dependent on high revenue from tipping fees, which may not be
practicable.
21 March 2005 1-17 Black & Veatch