Utilities, Industrial, Sourcing Renewables  -  April 11, 2023

Hawaiʻi Gas Seeks Proposals for Renewable Natural Gas, Hydrogen

Hawaiʻi Gas is seeking a request for proposals to purchase renewable natural gas (RNG) and renewable hydrogen.

The state’s only regulated gas utility announced the request for proposals as part of its clean energy plan and strategy detailed in its Integrated Resource Plan, which was filed with the Hawaiʻi Public Utilities Commission (HPUC).

“Increasing our use of RNG and renewable hydrogen has been part of our strategic plan for a number of years. When achieved, it will be a highly visible part of Hawaiʻi’s clean energy future,” said Alicia Moy, president and CEO of Hawaiʻi Gas, in a statement. “We are serious about our commitment to carbon neutrality, and we intend to lead the nation in finding ways to integrate more renewable energy sources into our pipeline. We already have a 50-year head start on mainland gas companies in our use of hydrogen in utility gas distribution. While our business represents less than 1% of the state’s greenhouse gas emissions, we are committed to reducing our carbon footprint.”

Hawaiʻi Gas currently blends both RNG and hydrogen into its utility gas supply on Oahu. The utility has used RNG produced at the City and County of Honolulu’s award-winning Honouliuli Wastewater RNG facility since 2018. Hawaiʻi Gas also blends up to 15% hydrogen into its gas mix and has been doing so since 1974.

Hawaiʻi Gas is seeking proposals from local and national suppliers who can provide up to 65,000 therms of RNG or up to 2,300 kg per day of renewable hydrogen. This request is the equivalent of replacing nearly all of the utility’s synthetic natural gas (SNG) with RNG.