$20 Million Proposed For Wave Energy
Sen. J. Kalani English introduced Senate Bill 2034, which would fund generators to power Maui homes using energy from ocean waves.
Senate Bill 2034 could send Maui waves straight for generators with enough power for 1,600 homes. The bill, introduced on Jan. 16 by Sen. J. Kalani English (D- East and Upcountry Maui, Moloka`i, Lana`i, Kaho`olawe), appropriates $20 million in revenue bonds for the Austrailian-based renewable energy company Oceanlinx to build two wave-powered turbine generators about a half-mile off Pauwela Point on Maui’s north shore.
Generators that look similar to this one would be placed about a half mile from Pauwela Point. Photo courtesy of Oceanlinx.
English, whose district includes Pauwela Point, said he was concerned with the initial idea because he thought the turbines might be intrusive to the coastal view or to the popular surfing area known as Jaws, but soon realized there would be no problem.
“It’s a very small speck in the ocean,” English told Honolulu Star-Bulletin. “…it should provide the beginning of some very good and clean energy from the ocean for us.”
The bill passed its review by the Senate Energy and Environment Committee last week, and the Ways and Means Committee will hold decision making on its funding tomorrow morning.
“… This measure will, by contributing to the production of renewable energy resources, provide numerous benefits, including reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels for electrical generation, thereby increasing Hawaii’s energy security,” Senate Energy and Environment Committee Chair Ron Menor said in a report.
According to Gerald Sumida, a lawyer who represents Oceanlinx, the 2.7 megawatt system will generate energy “no emissions or other discharges.”
This graphic explains how waves generate clean energy. Graphic courtesy of Oceanlinx.
Oceanlinx is already negotiating with Maui Electric Co. over future energy distribution.
“Clearly the ability to finance this project under the favorable rates of a Special Purpose Revenue Bond would help move this project forward at no cost or liability to Hawai`i taxpayers and great benefit,” Maui Electric Co. President Ed Reinhardt said in testimony supporting the bill.
A similar House Bill 2401, introduced by Maui Rep. Angus McKelvey, also passed its second reading and will be reviewed by the House Committee on Finance tomorrow morning.