County of Hawaii:   County Data Book
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FIGURE 1: ELECTRIC POWER OUTPUT BY RESOURCE

HAWAII ELECTRIC LIGHT COMPANY, INC.
RENEWABLE ENERGY RESOURCES

Renewable energy resources   including hydroelectric, wind, and geothermal, supplied approximately
26% of the Big Islands electricity needs in 1999.

A similar mix of renewables in California - hydroelectric, geothermal, wind, solar and organic waste - supplied about 33% (mostly hydroelectric) of the state's electricity needs in 1998.

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GEOTHERMAL provided 19.3% of the Big Island's electricity in 1999.  The Puna Geothermal Venture power plant is located in the lower Puna district near Pohoiki.  (In 2000, PGV is expected to produce about 25% of energy requirements.)

HYDROELECTRIC supplied 4.7% of the Big Island's electricity in 1999.  Power plants include HELCO's Puueo and Waiau Hydroelectric Plants, and the Wailuku River Hydroelectic Power Company's facility, all located on the Wailuku River near Hilo.
WIND supplied 1.5% of the Islands electricity needs in 1999.  The island's two major wind farms are located near Waikoloa in North Kona and near South Point.  (In 1999, HELCO signed a contract with Kahua Ranch Partners to provide 10mw of power beginning in late 2000.)
SOLAR ELECTRICITY is being promoted through several education and demonstration programs.  HELCO'S demonstration program includes a 15kw grid tied solar electric system in Kailua-Kona, remote residential solar electric systems, and remote solar electric area lighting.  HELCO'S solar electric demonstration trailer is displayed at schools and expositions island-wide to provide interactive learning opportunities for residents.

 

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