Will Hawaii Switch From Oil to Natural Gas?
The Gas Co. announced Thursday that it has selected CH2M HILL as an engeneering consultant to help introdcue natural gas to the Hawaii energy market. And it’s prepared to make a hefty investment in building the infrastructure to support it, according to a press release.
Civil Beat reported earlier this year that top state officials, including Gov. Neil Abercrombie, were interested in the option. But it’s not going over well with groups such as Blue Planet Foundation, which in the past has been outspoken about its opposition to the idea.
From the press release:
“Natural Gas is a clean and abundant alternative to the oil based fuels now supplying more than 90 percent of Hawaii’s energy requirements,” said Jeff Kissel, president and CEO of The Gas Company. “Natural Gas is available from secure sources in North America. It can be liquefied and transported to Hawaii at a cost which TGC believes will be well below the current cost of oil. Moreover the price of Natural Gas is expected to remain below the cost of oil for many years to come. When used for power generation, it has the added advantage of providing high-efficiency, low-carbon support for the wind and solar power sources slated for introduction in Hawaii.”
CH2M HILL, in this initial role, will provide economic and feasibility assessments, cost estimates, environmental, logistical and other necessary engineering and safety expertise to assist TGC as it prepares to bring Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) to Hawaii’s gas customers over the next few years, subject to regulatory approval and critical community considerations. TGC plans first to introduce small quantities of LNG into its systems serving Honolulu, and the larger Neighbor Island communities for residential and commercial applications. Natural Gas will also be made available for industrial applications including power generation, agriculture and infrastructure projects.
A tanker carrying liquefied natural gas. (Photo credit: State of Connecticut)
