We hope you will be able to participate in this event, kicking off an intense and comprehensive effort to develop a statewide plan for the potential production and use of bioenergy to displace a portion of Hawaii’s $5 billion per year (and rising) dependence on imported fuels.

Bioenergy offers both great opportunities and great challenges; the importance and complexity of the area require the development of an intelligent and realistic bioenergy master plan which incorporates the input of the many experts and visionaries dedicated to the well-being of our state, our economy, and our citizens.

In addition to the opportunity to use our own resources to displace a portion of our future energy needs, bioenergy resources could help Hawaii to meet the renewable energy requirements contained in State statute; support the agricultural sector; increase in-state energy supplies; and keep more of Hawaii’s energy dollars circulating in Hawaii’s economy. Liquid and solid fuels from biomass resources – from waste streams, agriculture, or aquaculture – are similar in portability and energy density to fossil-based fuels; biofuels could complement the use of intermittent energy sources such as wind and solar power, since liquid and solid fuels can be stored for use when the sun is not shining or the wind is not blowing. There may also be synergies between bioenergy production and the production of food, feed, fiber, or pharmaceuticals; and Hawaii projects may be able to attract research funding and investment.

However, issues relating to land use, water use, and crop selection need to be discussed; information on conversion technologies, costs, incentives, risks, and current plans need to be considered; and local sources of information and expertise need to be identified.

This is an important event and we are expecting it to be useful and informative for participants as well as for the general public. The proposed agenda for the event is available here: http://hawaii.gov/dbedt/info/energy/events/hawaii.

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