Full-service gas company, Hawaii Gas, recently announced it has issued a request for proposals to purchase renewable natural gas and renewable hydrogen in order to allow the company to shift away from its fossil fuel usage.
“Increasing our use of [renewable natural gas] and renewable hydrogen has been part of our strategic plan for a number of years. When achieved, it will be a highly visible part of Hawaii’s clean energy future,” Alicia Moy, president and CEO of Hawaii Gas, said in a statement. “We are serious about our commitment to carbon neutrality, and we intend to lead the nation in finding ways to integrate more renewable energy sources into our pipeline."
The new RFP is consistent with Hawaii Gas's Integrated Resource Plan recently filed with the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission. Hawaii Gas has been utilizing RNG produced at the City and County of Honolulu's Honouliuli Wastewater RNG facility since 2018, and has blended 15% hydrogen into its gas mix since 1974, according to the announcement.
The gas company is seeking proposals from local and national suppliers who can provide up to 65,000 therms of RNG or up to 2,300 kg per day of renewable hydrogen, and will consider proposals for one or multiple forms for RNG and renewable hydrogen, or a blend of the two. The request is the equivalent of replacing nearly all of the utility's synthetic natural gas with RNG, according to the announcement.
Renewable natural gas — natural gas or methane created using biogas generated by organic matter as it decomposes — can be produced using sources such as wastewater treatment plants, landfills, construction and demolition waste, and more. Renewable hydrogen can be produced using renewable electricity for electrolysis, which consists of splitting hydrogen from water using an electric current, as well as a process called steam methane reforming of RNG, according to Hawaii Gas.
“We know that developing a robust RNG and hydrogen infrastructure in Hawaii has the potential to create more local jobs in clean energy, engineering, agriculture and other industries," Moy said. "It also allows Hawaii Gas to continue providing customers with safe, secure, reliable and affordable energy.”
Proposals are due Sept. 30 at 2 p.m. Interested bidders can obtain the RFP at Hawaii Gas's website or by emailing hg-rng-rfp@hawaiigas.com.
