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Title: Hydroelectric power in Hawaii. A report on the statewide survey of potential hydroelectric sites

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/6603444· OSTI ID:6603444

An assessment was made of the hydropower potential in Hawaii. 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 MW of potential generating capacity. Combined with the 18 MW of existing hydropower capacity, hydropower resources potentially could generate about 307 million kWh 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. A summary of existing and future (potential) hydropower capacities and estimated annual outputs for each island is presented. How much of the potential capacity is being actively considered for development and how much is only tentatively proposed at the time is indicated. The economics of hydropower at specific sites were analyzed. The major conclusion of this analysis is that hydropower development costs vary widely among the different sites, but that generally the cost of hydroelectric power is either less than or comparable to the cost of oil-fired power.

Research Organization:
Hirai (W.A.) and Associates, Inc., Hilo, HI (USA)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
DOE Contract Number:
FC49-80R910031
OSTI ID:
6603444
Report Number(s):
DOE/R9/10031-T1
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English