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Title: Hydroelectric power in Hawaii: a reconnaissance survey

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/6479711· OSTI ID:6479711

The major conclusion of this study is that hydropower resources in the State of Hawaii are substantial, and they offer the potential for major increases in hydropower generating capacity. Hydropower resources on all islands total about 50 megawatts of potential generating capacity. Combined with the 18 megawatts of existing hydropower capacity, hydropower resources potentially could generate about 307 million kilowatt-hours of electric energy annually. This represents about 28% of the present combined electricity needs of the Neighbor Islands - Kauai, Molokai, Maui, and the Big Island. Hydropower resources on Kauai equal 72% of that island's electricity needs; on Molokai, 40%; on the Big Island, 20%; and on Maui, 18%. The island of Oahu, however, has only small hydropower resources, and could only generate a negligible portion of its electricity needs from this energy source. Existing and future (potential) hydropower capacities are summarized, and annual outputs for each island are estimated. Future hydropower facilities are subdivided into two categories, which show how much of the potential capacity is being actively considered for development, and how much is only tentatively proposed at the time.

Research Organization:
Hirai (W.A.) and Associates, Inc., Hilo, HI (USA)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
DOE Contract Number:
FC49-80R910031
OSTI ID:
6479711
Report Number(s):
DOE/R9/10031-T2
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English