Abstract
Surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and experiencing high electric utility rates, the State of Hawaii enjoys a wave energy resource averaging 10-15 kW/m at the 80 m depth contour. Hawaii’s legislated renewable portfolio standard (RPS) mandates that 20% of the state’s electricity be generated from renewable sources by 2020. Among the challenges to be overcome before wave energy can be a major contributor in Hawaii are the dearth of verifiable performance data from current wave technologies, a complex permitting regime, and competing uses for the state’s near-shore waters. Governor Linda Lingle has directed state agencies to streamline the permitting process for renewable energy, specifically including wave power. To facilitate consideration of Hawaii as a location for wave energy projects, the State of Hawaii’s Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) has published resource assessments, a summary of state permits applicable to ocean energy development, maps and supporting documents which are posted on the department’s website. Two wave technologies have been demonstrated in Hawaiian waters and other companies are considering opportunities. Highly experienced naval design, engineering and shipyard companies supporting ocean energy development are established in Hawaii.