Hawaiian Electric sustainability report shows greenhouse gas emissions down 22 percent

Renewable deployments and a cleaner transition are having a clear impact at Hawaiian Electric, with its greenhouse gas emissions down 22 percent and more than 1 GW of solar capacity now in operation, according to a corporate sustainability report released earlier this week.

“Faced with challenges stemming from the pandemic and global supply chain issues, we were still able to lower GHG emissions and add more renewable energy to our island grids,” Shelee Kimura, Hawaiian Electric president and CEO, said. “Weʻll continue to reduce our dependence on imported oil each year so that we’re able to stabilize energy costs for our customers.”

The reduction in emissions was compared to 2005 baseline levels, while the new solar applications were for all five Hawaiian island grids. In addition, Hawaiian Electric’s 15th annual sustainability report noted that as of last year, 38 percent of the company’s electricity sales came from renewable resources. As of 2022, about 93,000 rooftop solar systems have been deployed to spur energy efficiency.

The report also highlighted the actual steps being taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions on Hawaiian Electric’s grids, from the retirement of the AES coal plant to the addition of another 50,000 rooftop solar systems. Information gathering has also improved, thanks to the installation of more than 61,500 advanced meters in less than a year.

The company still intends to reduce emissions 70 percent by 2030 compared to 2005 levels. Complementing this will be initiatives to speed transportation electrification and programs to bolster rooftop solar adoption and the equitability of renewable energy.