| Abstract |
In 2005, initial discussions for a proposed geothermal energy expansion between the Hawaii Electric Light Company (HELCO) and the Puna Geothermal Venture (PGV) representatives took place. PGV desired to increase generation from the existing 30 MW contract to a proposed 38 MW contract. In 2008, Governor Linda Lingle, Hawaii Electric Company (HECO), the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) signed an MOU launching the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative (HCEI). This initiative set goals at 70 percent of Hawaii?s energy to be from clean energy by the year 2030. Renewable energy would comprise 40 percent and the remaining 30 percent would be derived by efficiencies (HCEI, 2013). |