Kaua’i Island Utility Cooperative will achieve 57.9% renewable energy generation in 2023.

Kaua’i Island Utility Cooperative (KIUC) once again leads the state of Hawaii in renewable energy generation, achieving 57.9% renewable energy in 2023.

In its annual Renewable Energy Portfolio Standards reports submitted to the Public Utility Commission of Hawaii (PUC), KIUC revealed that solar power accounted for 38.1% of total generation in 2023, while almost one-third of solar production came from rooftop systems members. Other renewable energy sources contributing in 2023 are hydropower (12%) and biomass (7.8%).

The 57.9% percentage puts the cooperative well above the state’s requirement for utilities to achieve 40% renewable energy generation by 2030. KIUC’s current strategic goal of achieving 100% renewable energy by 2033 is also ahead of the goal state by over a decade of 100% clean energy by 2045.

“In addition to leading the state in renewable energy, we are proud to have recorded the lowest residential (energy) rates on all islands since May 2022.” said KIUC President and CEO David Bissell. “Our high share of renewable energy has contributed significantly to stabilizing our rates even in times of significant increases in oil prices,” he added.

The cooperative was formed in 2002 when a group of local entrepreneurs purchased Kaua’i Electric from Citizens Utilities. From the very beginning, its goal was to achieve 100% renewable energy using biomass, hydropower and solar sources.

The cooperative is one of two energy companies in the state. KIUC’s renewable energy percentage was higher than every other island in the state in 2023 and was the highest in the state since 2019.

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The State of Hawaii recognizes biomass as a carbon-neutral renewable energy source and allows utilities to use biomass as part of compliance with their renewable energy portfolio standards.

In 2023, KIUC began using biodiesel to enhance its renewable product portfolio. The cooperative purchases power generated by the Mahipapa biomass plant (formerly called the “Green Energy Complex”) on Kauai under a 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA). Approved by the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission, the agreement requires the plant operator to comply with “all valid and applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, ordinances, permit conditions and other governmental actions,” including, without limitation, any regulations relating to emissions.

“Biodiesel can contribute to grid stability when we rely on a large share of solar energy,” said KIUC Chief Operating Officer Brad Rockwell. “However, biodiesel is currently more expensive than most other renewable sources, so for now we will use it sparingly and strategically.”