Hawai‘i Generates Over 25% of Electricity From Solar

Why this is here: Hawai‘i currently burns more than 25,000 barrels of oil each day to generate electricity, highlighting a continued dependence on imported fossil fuels.

Dan Shugar, founder and CEO of Nextpower, points to Hawai‘i’s success in deploying solar energy and the need to accelerate its growth. Over the last three decades, Hawai‘i has added more than two gigawatts of solar power, now serving over half a million homes. Renewables—including wind and geothermal—provide roughly 35% of the state’s electricity, a notable achievement for an isolated island chain.

However, Hawai‘i still relies on imported oil, burning over 25,000 barrels daily for power. This dependence creates vulnerability to global market fluctuations and increases electricity costs for residents. Utility-scale solar and battery storage offer a predictable alternative, though current permitting and construction delays slow progress.

Integrating renewables into Hawai‘i’s complex grid requires careful planning and coordination, but the state has already demonstrated a working model. The work continues as Hawai‘i seeks to become a global example of grid resilience and energy security.