Energy supplier Par Hawaii and natural resource conservation company Pono Pacific Land Management LLC recently formed a partnership to develop local sources of vegetable and other plant-based oil to produce renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel.
This partnership follows the recent announcement by Par Hawaii to invest $90 million into the production of renewable fuel made with sustainable feedstocks, expected to begin in 2025, as previously reported by PBN. Pono Pacific will work to identify potential crops, suitable land and farming partners. The goal is to produce locally-sourced renewable fuel products that are accessible to all Hawaii residents and businesses, according to an announcement from Pono Pacific.
“We’re excited to collaborate with Pono Pacific to accelerate Hawaii’s adoption of renewable energy, provide energy security for our islands, and support the sustainability targets of other businesses,” Par Hawaii President Eric Wright said in a statement.
Renewable diesel, which uses naturally produced or waste oils instead of petroleum, can be used to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Sustainable aviation fuel will help airlines refueling in the Islands to reduce their carbon footprints, according to the announcement.
“SAF made from biofuels can deliver the performance of petroleum-based jet fuel but with a fraction of its carbon footprint,” Chris Bennett, vice president of sustainable energy solutions at Pono Pacific, said in a statement. “Producing SAF locally will undoubtedly create jobs and revenue for rural communities, therefore creating a more sustainable economy for Hawaii.”
