Renewable Energy Technology Assessments - Kauai Island Utility ...

Kaua’i Island Utility Cooperative
Renewable Energy Technology Assessments 2.0 Introduction
0 5 10 15 20
Biomass
Geothermal
1998 1999 2000 2001 2002
21 March 2005 2-7 Black & Veatch
Wind
2002 - 16.3 GW Total
Figure 2-2. US Net Renewable Electrical Capacity, GW. (EIA 2002)
2.5 Review of Current Renewable Energy Use on Kauai
Kauai has historically relied upon a mix of renewable and conventional energy
sources for power generation. There are no fossil fuel resources on the island;
consequently all fuel is imported. The lack of fossil fuel resources initially spurred
development of biomass and hydroelectric projects to power the island’s sugar industry,
the first major electric consumer on the island. In fact, Kauai’s original electric company
started as a subsidiary of McBryde Sugar Co. Several hydroelectric and biomass fueled
power plants were developed to provide electricity for irrigation, milling and production
operations. In the past, electricity from these sources has been a substantial source of
energy for the island. In the early 1980s, hydro and biomass accounted for upwards of 40
to 50 percent of electricity generated on the island. However, in 2003, KIUC only
sourced 7.5 percent of its energy from renewable sources. 3 The amount of renewable
energy generation has been in a state of decline since the early 1980s, see Figure 2-3.
Solar
3 Alan Oshima of Oshima Chun Fong & Chung LLP, “Kauai Island Utility Cooperative 2003 Renewable
Portfolio Standards Status Report”, March 30, 2004. Includes credit for solar water heating, which
displaces electricity production.