Hawaiian Electric Company seeks biofuels suppliers

April 6, 2010

The Hawaiian Electric Company has issued a Request for Proposals seeking long-term contracts for biofuels made within the state of Hawaii.

The company said biofuels could come from land or water-based crops, waste animal fats or feedstocks converted to liquid biofuels, but must be locally produced.

The biofuels are for use in the company’s generation sites on Oahu, Maui, Molokai, Lanai and Hawaii Island.

The company said it would evaluate proposals to ensure they meet environmental guidelines for the sustainable use of biofuels.

Local jobs

The procurement is part of Hawaiian Electric’s attempts to foster a local biofuels industry and create jobs, as well as source energy from within the local area.

Robbie Alm, Hawaiian Electric executive vice president, said: “Hawaiian Electric is totally committed to building a clean energy economy in which at least 40 percent of electricity comes from a portfolio of renewable sources. Sustainable biofuels are critical to that mix. Biofuels produced locally are the most beneficial for our economic, environmental and energy security.”

Those interested in providing biofuels will have to get their letters of intent in by May 7, 2010. Final proposals will be due by June 18, 2010.

“This first call for proposals will test the market and determine what our next actions must be,” explained Mr Alm.