A Renewable Energy Pioneer
Lessons Learned for Utilities around the Globe
Hawaii’s Renewable Energy Revolution
Advances in technology have made solar photovoltaic and wind power the most logical and cost-effective energy options for many communities around the world. Pioneers like Hawaii have proven that renewables can replace fossil fuels as base load power, and in the process, they’ve discovered that the transition to renewables requires a fundamental shift in the way they do business. Utilities around the globe can learn important lessons from Hawaii’s shift away from traditional fossil fuel imports.
Watch the story below.
Three Tools from the Hawaii Success Story
“We do not have indigenous fossil fuels in Hawaii so historically we have always imported fossil fuels, primarily oils… Several years ago we committed ourselves to transforming that with a significant amount of clean energy…
We are well on our way… and its challenges are many fold. They are economic and operational. They require transformation of how we conduct our business on a day-to-day basis.”
—Dan Giovanni, Hawaiian Electric
Explore the resources below to learn about grid modernization, demand response and policy best practices.
Grid Modernization
Flexibility in the Power System
Enhancing Resilience
Expanded use of solar and wind power can have a significant impact on electricity grids and the utilities that manage them, often requiring new equipment, computer software and business models for utility operations. In response, utilities need to explore new ways to enhance the resilience of power infrastructure and transmission systems to increase flexibility in the entire power system.
Managing Resources
Software solutions designed to manage challenges posed by expanded use of intermittent power sources—like wind and solar—are a powerful way to modernize the electric grid to take advantage of renewable energy opportunities. Called “distributed energy resource management systems” these solutions have proven effective in improving electric grid reliability while reducing system operation costs.
“What our plans really do is they take the current state of the system and they develop a step by step plan that will deliver in 2030 these very lofty goals of very high levels of renewable energy…without compromising service or reliability and at the same time driving our costs down for our customers.”
—Dan Giovanni, Hawaiian Electric
Demand Response
A Powerful Tool to Manage Peak Load
Real-Time Response
The increased use of smart meters facilitates more interactivity between customers and their energy systems. Engaging customers in two-way communication via smart meters and demand response technologies is a powerful tool for utilities seeking to integrate renewable energy sources into the grid. Through demand response, electric companies can see customers’ real-time responses to changes on the grid, allowing them to manage peak demand with a renewable power base load.
“The current state of the technology in the industry is based on primarily a one-way flow of information between the utility to customers. We have had very little visibility in terms of how customers respond in real time.”
—Earl Ifuku, Hawaiian Electric
Policy Best Practices
The New Energy Paradigm
Solutions for Everyone
A grid base load comprised primarily of renewables requires new policies and regulatory frameworks. The new energy paradigm is not about the vested interest of one party, but practical and sustainable solutions for everyone. Staying competitive and relevant in the changing energy landscape requires a fundamental shift in the way electric utilities, public policy, and the public work together to meet their separate needs and achieve their goals.
“They [new policies] have to be sustainable and they have to be balanced and they have to benefit all customers, not just those that might be directly participating in the programs themselves.”
—Dan Giovanni, Hawaiian Electric
Comment
Make a general inquiry or suggest an improvement.