LIHU‘E — Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative has announced a three-year partnership with Hawai‘i-based biodiesel producer Pacific Biodiesel Technologies in a push to wean itself off a reliance on fossil fuels.
KIUC received its first delivery of locally produced biodiesel late last month, and has stated it will partially fuel its 27.5 megawatt Kapaia Power Generation Station in Lihu‘e, the cooperative’s largest generator.
“We are pleased to source this 100 percent renewable fuel from Pacific Biodiesel,” said KIUC President and CEO David Bissell. “Supporting local biodiesel production helps ensure greater energy security for our island state.”
Founded on Maui in 1995, Pacific Biodiesel annually produces more than 5.5 million gallons of distilled biodiesel at its Hawai‘i Island refinery. The fuel is primarily made from used cooking oil gathered from restaurants across the state, with additional oil coming from sunflowers and other crops farmed in Hawai‘i.
While some oil is sourced from the mainland, the company’s long-term vision is to increase its portfolio of locally grown crops, avoiding mainland materials altogether.
“Locally made biodiesel provided many ‘circular economy’ benefits for Hawai‘i,” said Pacific Biodiesel Marketing Director Joy Galatro. “It creates local jobs, supports the state’s economy and reduces reliance on imported fossil fuel, thereby enhancing Hawai‘i’s energy security.”
On top of being locally produced, biodiesel is considerably less environmentally harmful than alternative fuels, releasing 74 percent fewer emissions than petroleum diesel, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
“Biodiesel is considered
biodegradable, nontoxic and nonhazardous,” said Pacific Biodiesel Director of Operations Jenna Long. “A spill in the ocean will degrade faster than table sugar.”
While KIUC has committed to a three-year contract with Pacific Biodiesel, high costs will limit how much of the fuel the cooperative can use. KIUC Communications Manager Beth Amaro told The Garden Island biodiesel will likely account for no more than 5 percent of Kapaia Power Station’s generation for the foreseeable future.
“We anticipate using more biodiesel as prices become more competitive, or if we encounter issues with the availability of naphtha,” said Amaro said, adding the cooperative plans to eventually expand biodiesel use to its Port Allen Power Station.
In a press release issued earlier this year, KIUC reported it continues to lead the state in renewable power generation at 60.2 percent renewables for 2022. Solar accounted for nearly 40 percent of the cooperative’s energy output, while hydropower and biomass contributed 10.7 and 9.8 percent, respectively.
KIUC announced last year it has committed to reaching 100 percent renewable energy by 2033, 12 years earlier than the state’s commitment.
As KIUC pushes for a more environmentally responsible energy future, Long suggested biofuel could serve as the perfect stable backup fuel for Kaua‘i’s power grid, as fuel sources like hydro and solar rely on variable forces.
“We’ve been looking for a long time at what KIUC’s been doing as far as bringing other renewables into the mix,” Long said. “It’s really impressive — they’re moving to 100 percent renewable very quickly. Biodiesel shouldn’t become the main (component) of the grid, but it should be a backup. We’re excited to help them with that last gap piece — I think it’s going to be exciting to see.”
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Jackson Healy, reporter, can be reached at 808-647-4966 or jhealy@thegardenisland.com.
