Hawaiʻi Gas, the state’s only regulated gas utility, issued a request for proposals to purchase renewable natural gas (RNG) and renewable H₂, key resources that will enable the company to shift away from its reliance on fossil fuel.

The request for proposals is consistent with its clean energy plan and strategy detailed in Hawaiʻi Gas’s Integrated Resource Plan recently filed with the Hawaiʻi Public Utilities Commission (HPUC).

“Increasing our use of RNG and renewable H₂ 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. “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 H₂ 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 already leads the nation in blending both RNG and H₂ into its utility gas supply on Oahu. Additional sources of these renewable and clean fuels will enable the company to further diversify its fuel supply and reduce its overall carbon footprint in line with the State’s climate goals.

“We prefer to make this change using local sources, and hope potential suppliers interpret our request for proposals as a signifier of a growing demand for renewable gas,” said Moy.

Hawaiʻi Gas has been utilizing RNG produced at the City and County of Honolulu’s award-winning Honouliuli Wastewater RNG facility since 2018. Hawaiʻi Gas also leads the nation in blending up to 15% H₂ into its gas mix and has been doing so since 1974. This long history of using both RNG and H₂ puts Hawaiʻi Gas ahead of other gas utilities in terms of diversifying its gas fuel supply and allows Hawaiʻi to be at the forefront of using RNG and H₂ in its gas pipelines.

Moy went on to say, “We know that developing a robust RNG and H₂ infrastructure in Hawaiʻi has the potential to create more local jobs in clean energy, engineering, agriculture and other industries. It also allows Hawaiʻi Gas to continue to providing customers with safe, secure, reliable and affordable energy.”

RNG can be produced using sources such as wastewater treatment plants, landfills, construction and demolition waste, bio-crops, food waste, and dairy farms. Renewable H₂ can be produced using renewable electricity for electrolysis and steam methane reforming of RNG. Hawaiʻi Gas will consider proposals for one or multiple forms of RNG and renewable H₂, or a blend of the two.

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/d of renewable H₂. This request is the equivalent of replacing nearly all the utility’s synthetic natural gas with RNG. As research and innovation continue, Hawaiʻi Gas will work to increase its use of renewable H₂, which does not produce any carbon emissions. Key determinants of the shift to renewable H₂ will be safety and affordability for customers.