Hirono Highlights Importance of Energy Storage Technologies to Hawaii’s Renewable Energy Goals

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, questioned a panel of experts about developments in energy storage and battery technologies, and the importance of these technologies to Hawaii’s goal of transitioning to 100 percent renewable power by 2045, during a full committee hearing.

“Hawaii not only faces some of the highest gas prices in the country, but our state also relies on oil for most of its electricity,” said Senator Hirono during the hearing. “Families and businesses in Hawaii have had to watch their power bills go up with the global price of oil. Energy storage will be a critical part of our transition to renewable power.”

During their exchange, Senator Hirono asked Spencer Nelson, Managing Director of Research and New Initiatives for ClearPath, a nonprofit organization focused on clean energy, about how energy storage technologies can help Hawaii meet its renewable energy goal.

“Long-duration energy storage is particularly important for Hawaii, especially considering its 100 percent renewable goal,” said Mr. Nelson. “Considering the land use constraints in Hawaii, I think long-duration will be really critical.”

Senator Hirono also asked about how energy storage technologies can help increase resilience to storms in places that are vulnerable to severe weather, like Hawaii.

Mr. Nelson responded that micro-grids, which can disconnect from the power grid when needed and then quickly restore power after storms, can be an essential way to backup power and provide resilience in the case of extreme weather. He added that micro-grid capabilities are also critical for maintaining emergency response systems, such as firefighting, and that energy storage can help the whole power grid return to service much faster after a black out.

A link to download video of the Senator’s full question line is available here.

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