HONOLULU — The newly formed Western States Hydrogen Association brings together stakeholders in the hydrogen and fuel cell industry with the goal of bringing zero-emission fuel cell trucks, buses, vessels, aircraft and off-road equipment to Hawai‘i.
HONOLULU — The newly formed Western States Hydrogen Association brings together stakeholders in the hydrogen and fuel cell industry with the goal of bringing zero-emission fuel cell trucks, buses, vessels, aircraft and off-road equipment to Hawai‘i.
State Sen. Glenn Wakai (Kalihi-Salt Lake-Foster Village) has been named as Hawai‘i’s advisor on the panel.
“Hawai‘i faces unique transportation and power generation challenges and fuel cell technology represents the kind of a flexible, adaptable solution we need to solve those issues. Solar panels and batteries are providing for today’s non-fossil fuel needs, but hydrogen is our answer for our future clean energy needs,” said Wakai, a Democrat.
“I’m ecstatic to be participating in the work that WSHA is doing to bringing zero-emission options to the islands and I believe strongly that our shared efforts will affect real change for our communities and our climate.”
The WSHA is made up of leading figures in heavy-duty hydrogen fuel cell technology and will focus on a rapid increase in deployment of fuel cell technology across multiple commercial sectors in 13 western states.
The newly formed nonprofit organization is being supported by an external advisory board made up of current elected and appointed officials from around the Western U.S. that will help steer the organization’s policy activities and serve as a bridge between industry and government.
Thank you, Senator Wakai … I’ve been recommending hydrogen to local leaders since 2012. First, HECO wants to deploy some 15 MILLION solar panels on our green spaces. This is over 5,000 football fields of silicon, plastic and metal, which demands much non-renewable energy to manufacture. Second, they must install millions on rooftops. Look at all hurricane and big storms. They rip off roofs and destroy solar fields. Third, HECO wants 500′ wind turbines. How will these do in a hurricane? Ask the families near Kahuku how they feel. Finally, a hydrogen-powered vehicle can also be used to run essential appliances if power lines go down. This would allow medical devices, refrigeration, etc. Today, we use gas-powered generators. There have been a number of deaths due to exhaust fumes.
HECO 2045 Goal only considered residential and commercial generation of electricity. If we all move to EV, we will need to double our solar and wind deployment. There are also serious limitations and environmental concerns about battery technology.
H is for Hawai’i and H stands for HEMP and HYDROGEN. Thank you for your vision!!!
Aloha