Making ethanol in Hawai?i? It won't be an easy process
We've always known that the economics of ethanol production vary widely from place to place. Take Hawai?i, for example. The main problems with making the biofuel locally include reviving the sugar can fields – and finding the land and workers to make this possible – to make the feedstock, building production plants, and arguments over water rights. Water rights are a tricky issue in Hawai?i, since so many people need the precious resource.
These issues aren't stopping island-based companies from planning to make ethanol. Local production might start in late 2007 by any one of the five interested companies. The state government has said it is willing to give up to $12 million a year in tax breaks, but won't pay until the ethanol starts to flow. So far, the government is holding on to the cash.
For all the details, read the article in the Honolulu Advertiser. It's well done and makes me even more convinced EVs are the way to go here.
[Source: Honolulu Advertiser]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Jennine 9:49AM (10/10/2006)
There's no question that sugar cane demands a lot of water. The first question is whether it even makes sense.
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Ammocaby 2:37PM (10/10/2006)
Given the fact that we in Hawai'i are often asked to cut back on domestic water use, this issue of water rights for agricultural users sounds as though it could become contentious if this project goes forward.
I support the reactivation of our state's sugar cane industry, however. In addition to using the less-expensive alternative of personal energy conservation, a plan that takes money away from Oil Qaeda deserves serious study.
While it's questionable that ethanol production in Hawai'i using this method makes sense, we residents are always hearing the politicoes around here forever whining about diverisifying our economy away from tourism. This whole proposition sounds like a possible panacea.
On O'ahu, all we've got to show for all the politically-advocated energy solutions is our garbage-burning H-Power plant, a few diesel-electric hybrid buses, and some failed wind energy projects. Indeed, the only successful wind energy project is coming from the capitol.
We residents need to lead these political hacks instead of ceding our ower to them by using fewer resources in our daily lives. It will probably save more money than any energy project these folks come up with. Solar panels, solar water heating, and electric cars for the shorter trips can help.
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jiltedcitizen 3:17PM (10/10/2006)
Would it be possible to grow the algae they use for biodiesel production in saltwater? If so, why go ethanol? Also please check where we get our oil from before you make crazy statements like "takes money away from Oil Qaeda"
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