MOLOKAI CLEAN ENERGY HUI
Molokai Community Energy Resilience Action Plan (CERAP)
Molokai Community Energy Resilience Action Plan (CERAP) is an independent, island-wide, community-led & expert-informed collaborative planning process to increase renewable energy on Molokai.
2770
Conversations with Individual Molokai Community Members
713
Surveys Collected
30+
Focus Groups Workshops
16+
Community Events
MOLOKAI CLEAN ENERGY HUI
© 2023 by MCEH | Sustʻāinable Molokai
6. East Molokai
A deep dive analysis into our East End electrical AND critical infrastructure. Learn more >
Fast Track Community-owned (Hoʻāhu) CBRE Projects at Pālāʻau & Kualapuʻu (2.45MW) Learn more >
2. Hoʻāhu CBRE
A deep dive feasibility/cost analysis for Molokaʻis pumped hydro options. Learn more >
8. Pumped Hydro
Display Molokai's Electric Grid Infrastructure
Molokai CERAP Roadmap
Disclaimer: These are example projects designed by the Molokai Community. Dot Placement does not reflect project placement. Site-specific project decisions will be made by the community in CERAP 2.0
Project Description
Currently ALL 40+ of Molokai’s critical infrastructure are reliant on diesel powered energy from Pālāʻau. This project calls for onsite PV and battery storage, along with any necessary upgrades (i.e. smart meters and electrical infrastructure), to provide local uninterrupted electricity and increase the ability for critical service and emergency response teams to operate during disasters. RE systems should be built to maintain 100% operation during the most likely scenarios of supply chain disruption or electrical pole damage (e.g. by high winds or car accidents). Backup generators and possibly small-scale wind should be included for top critical infrastructure like Molokai’s nine main water pumps.
ONSITE RE AND STORAGE SYSTEMS FOR ALL CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE
Strength
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Onsite generation decreases the risk of electric disruption for critical infrastructure and takes into account sea level rise/road flooding/etc. that could isolate certain areas for long periods of time.
Weakness
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Individual onsite systems are the most expensive and least efficient way to deploy PV.
Opportunity
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Projects could provide grid services for the larger Molokai grid and support future smart grid innovations.
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Can design Molokai regional systems to support mobile emergency generators and additional cold storage units (for food and mass casualties) that strengthen emergency response and disaster preparedness facilities.
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Smart meters provide detailed insight on how RE is performing and how much energy is being used/generated to help energy operators protect the grid and homes.
Threat
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"Hosting capacity" for rooftop PV is very limited. Therefore, new onsite RE would likely need to be paired with batteries and energy exporting options may or may not be available.
This graphic/illustration shows three of East Molokai’s four critical infrastructures located approximately 13 miles from Kaunakakai. Kilohana Elementary School and Kilohana Rec Center are the designated evacuation centers for East Molokai. The Pukoʻo Fire Station provides East Molokai’s only emergency services. It is visualized here at its future location in Ualapuʻe. The current Pukoʻo Fire Station (not pictured) is in the tsunami evacuation zone and must relocate to the Kilohana Rec Center in times of disaster. None of Manaʻe’s critical infrastructure have any RE or batteries to sustain operation during frequent blackouts and/or total isolation during heavy rain.
Community position
The Molokai community is in FULL SUPPORT and committed to co-designing onsite RE and storage systems for ALL critical infrastructure to be implemented as quickly as feasible.
Project Specific Requirements
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Community-based, site-specific project design and implementation that takes into account critical infrastructure location along the grid, community needs, sea level rise, road flooding, potential grid services, responsible end of life plans, environmental and cultural impacts, etc.
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RE systems should be co-designed with the frontline workers at each facility, local community representatives and other key stakeholders to ensure that energy solutions are robust, effective, and strongly supported by the Molokai community.
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Project’s should always be prioritizing resiliency. Whenever and wherever possible, critical infrastructure energy solutions should have a hybrid connection to the central grid - meaning it should take advantage of the island-wide electrical grid during normal, ‘blue sky’ operating conditions, and are also able function during times of system failure, ‘gray sky’ periods, and routine maintenance-related disruptions. Programs such as Customer Grid Supply Plus (CGS+) are preferable to Customer Self Supply (CSS).
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RE systems on critical infrastructure must account for current community needs, energy goals, future growth, and grid hardening.
Immediate Action Needed, Next Steps, & Key Partners
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MCEH & Molokai Community:
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Next Steps: Identify and connect with point people associated with each critical infrastructure facility. Identify the facilities that are the most interested and ready for advancing an on-site RE project. Continue to work together to create and implement a project specific co-design and consent process that works for Molokai.
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Maui County & Hawaii State Agencies & Elected Officials:
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Immediate Action Needed: Conduct a solar site assessment for all County and State owned critical infrastructure on Molokai (as listed in Appendix X) to evaluate the opportunities and constraints associated with each sites’ capacity for hosting on-site RE. Conduct a climate vulnerability assessment to clearly identify at-risk critical infrastructure. Compile Molokai-specific data to support place-based planning and design efforts.
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Next Steps: Create place-based policy that requires and incentivises renewable energy on all existing and new critical infrastructure to help Hawaiʻi reach the goal of 100% RE by 2045 in a way that truly supports our communities.
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HECO:
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Next Steps: Provide important data and input needed for solar site assessments of critical infrastructure, realistic system design options, and community trade off discussions.
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Private Owners of Molokai Critical Infrastructure (e.g. major water pumps, stores, hospital, telecommunications, grocery stores and gas stations, etc)
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Immediate Action Needed: Share current RE planning with MCEH for early input, support, and alignment with community priorities.
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Next Steps: Participate in CERAP 2.0 as a key stakeholder and work with MCEH and community to co-design RE systems for your critical infrastructure.
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Kualapuʻu Community Based Renewable Energy Project
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250 kW AC of Solar PV paired with 1 MWh BESS.
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Four solar carports over the existing parking lot at Kualapuʻu Park and Community Center along with a BESS in a single shipping container next to the parking lot.
Pālāʻau Community Based Renewable Energy Project
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2.2 MW AC of Solar PV paired with 10.1 MWh BESS.
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Medium-scale PV array and BESS on currently vacant land.
Source: https://hoahuenergy.coop/cbre/.png)
Fast Track Community-owned (Hoʻāhu) CBRE Projects at Pālāʻau & Kualapuʻu (2.45MW)
Strength
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Environmental & cultural impacts were thoroughly explained and considered by the Mkk community
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Increased RE access on Molokai
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Hoʻāhu CBRE will supply about 20% of Mkk’s energy needs!
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Largest community-owned RE project in Hawaii/US!
Weakness
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Continuing to keep energy generation centralized at Pālāʻau
Opportunity
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Community ownership of the project which results in monetary and decision-making benefits
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Increase sustainable local jobs
Threat
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Permits may slow down the process
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Why community-scale solar in Maunaloa?
This project is sited in Maunaloa because thatʻs where the critical infrastructure for West Molokai is located. Siting energy projects as close as possible to our critical infrastructure means there are less chances for disruptions (like poles and lines getting hit by trees or cars, etc). Community-scale projects give those who do not own their own roofs, have old roofs, or cannot front the whole installation cost a chance to participate AND benefit from renewable energy (stability and hopefully savings on their electric bill).
Next Steps:
This project is ready for the next round of community co-design. This is where we will take a detailed look at potential sites, tech options, cost analysis, and the trade offs. The Molokai community, and especially those who live in Maunaloa/West Molokai, will have the final say on how RE projects like this can support us individually and as a community.
Community-Scale Solar for Maunaloa (Decentralized Grid Set Up) - West Molokai
Strength
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Undisrupted electric services for West Molokai critical infrastructure
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Most affordable RE access for Maunaloa community sited in Maunaloa
Weakness
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Would require major grid infrastructure upgrades ($$$) and additional tech (synchronous condensers? etc)
Opportunity
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Would require day to day operation and management
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Energy generation in Maunaloa could strengthen the overall Mkk grid system
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Possible floating solar using reservoir (who is the owner?)
Threat
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Dust could be a concern
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What we've heard:
Molokai homestead communities have voiced wanting to explore what hosting or owning energy would mean for them and what it could look like. Homestead energy needs range from individual households, to multigenerational ʻohana homes, and agricultural/business energy use.
Next Steps:
There are several different solution options that are ready for design analysis to truly understand the costs, trade offs, and which option is right for their needs.
Support Homesteading RE Projects (Solar and/or Small-scale/Rooftop Wind)
Strength
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Community-scale solar option for a smaller neighborhood/community/family lot.
Weakness
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Expensive up-front costs for installation
Opportunity
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Opportunity to earn rent lease revenue for RE projects
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Having an energy project on their land provides unparalleled independence and self-sufficiency.
Threat
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Current legislative/utility process on tribal lands
Why consider small scale wind?
Adding wind energy to solar increases the overall resilience, reliability, and affordability of energy because wind can continue to generate power when solar production is at its lowest (i.e. nighttime, overcast weather, and during the winter). A few wind turbines could supplement solar power, diversify energy production, and potentially reduce costs. Must be sited where winds are consistent and strong.
What weʻve heard:
Community has been very clear that wind projects considered on Molokai would only include small-scale (for larger ranching/industrial use) or rooftop sized (personal use) wind.
Small-Scale/Rooftop Size Wind Projects (Critical Infrastructure, Homesteading/Ranching)
Strength
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Generates electricity during the day and night.
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Almost no air, water, and soil pollution.
Weakness
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May disrupt animal habitats and/or cultural sites
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May pose a health risk to residents who live within a mile
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Variable & intermittent source of energy.
Opportunity
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Could be a way to diversify energy production
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Could potentially reduce costs
Threat
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Residual negative community feelings from “Big Wind”
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Why look at individual off-grid set ups?
Off-grid home solutions could be the best option for those who do not want to connect to HECO or live in areas where electric infrastructure is not allowed/not possible. This sample project could be sited at any Molokai home.Project Rationale:
This off-grid solar set up is an affordable and readily available option to replace costly and hazardous diesel and propane generators. This sample project uses twelve 340W panels (around 4 kW of rooftop solar) which serves the off-grid energy needs of a family of four.
Household RE Projects (Off-grid Solar & Storage for the average Mkk home)
Strength
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May be the only option for gaining access to electricity services in certain areas.
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Systems can be scaled to your exact energy needs.
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Increase independence
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Decrease reliance on fossil fuels
Weakness
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Expensive up-front costs for installation (This solution would need to include enough solar panels, inverter, and batteries to cover individual household energy needs)
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Lack of qualified/dedicated maintenance personel: residents responsible to maintain, repair, and replace system components.
Opportunity
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Provides unparalleled independence and self-sufficiency.
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Local workforce alignment, generator business, warranty/lifespan
Threat
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Inconsistent or limited reliability of service.
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Misinformation and energy conservation/off grid maintenance illiteracy
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Next steps:
A deep dive analysis into our East End electrical AND critical infrastructure. We know that with sea level rising and roads disappearing there will be major changes to our roads, electrical wires/poles, and possibly critical buildings (ie Pukoo/Ualapuʻe Fire Station, Kilohana School, Kilohana Rec, Manaʻe Goods n Grinds).We need to know more about our east end infrastructure’s strengths and weaknesses in order to plan strategically for adding RE and sea level rise.
East End Grid (Deep Dive Analysis)
Strength
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?
Weakness
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East end grid is one long line, the farther from Pālāʻau the lower the quality of electricity resulting in frequent brownouts and blackouts
Opportunity
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We can plan to equip Manaʻe with emergency response/food security equipment incase roads are impassable
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We can plan to strengthen quality of electricity for the East End if we site a community-scale project towards the end of the grid
Threat
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Climate change and sea level rise impacting roadways and electrical lines
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Parts of our community are cut off from each other when roads flood
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What is floating solar?
Solar panels that float on reservoirs avoid using land for energy development while helping prevent irrigation water from evaporating.
Why at Kualapuʻu?
This sample project is sited on the Kualapuʻu reservoir because of the community's preference for not developing additional ʻāina. This reservoir is located near critical infrastructure that serves the entire island (the closer the energy source, the less likely critical services are to lose power).
Next Steps:
A deep dive feasability/cost analysis of floating solar on Molokai
Floating Solar @ the Kualapuʻu Reservoir for Central Molokai (Deep Dive Analysis w/ PNNL?)
Strength
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Avoid additional land development
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Decreases reservoir evaporation & decreases algae growth
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Almost no air, water, and soil pollution
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Water cools the panels and improves their performance
Weakness
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Most expensive than ground mounted solar options (itemized cost estimates &
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Variable & intermittent source of energy.
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Unknown impacts to wetland bird homes.
Opportunity
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Would encourage overdue reservoir maintenance to improve water quality
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Could create more jobs/community ownership
Threat
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Dept of AG (State) permitting process could be lengthy
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Technical analysis results on tradeoffs (i.e. major upgrades, cost prohibitive, etc.)
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What is pumped hydro?
Pumped hydro uses excess renewable energy to pump water up to a higher reservoir, then when energy is needed, let the water flow back down to create hydroelectric power. This could lessen the need for chemical batteries.Why in a reservoir?
Molokai has existing reservoirs where pumped hydros feasibility and capacity could be explored further.Next Steps:
A deep dive feasibility/cost analysis for Molokai's pumped hydro options
Pumped Hydro Energy Storage (Deep Dive Analysis w/ PNNL?)
Strength
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Likely less costly than large-scale batteries.
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Long life cycle (40+ years).
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No polluting chemicals (either way it doesn’t involve drinking water).
Weakness
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Engineering, permitting, and construction of this kind of project will likely take many years.
Opportunity
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May encourage complimentary repairs to the water reservoirs.
Threat
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Siting: Requires two water reservoirs (an upper and a lower reservoir).
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What is firm energy?
Sources of energy that are available at all times, controllable and reliable. Like a generator, you can turn it on and it’s on (unlike solar panels or wind turbines)! Renewable firm energy can come from bioenergy, hydroelectric energy, and geothermal energy.Why do we need it?
Firm energy is needed to ensure that the electric grid is well supplied regardless of the weather. Without over-building solar (and/or wind) and batteries, firm energy readily fills in the pukas of when it’s needed most.
Firm Energy Options - aka Dispatchable or “On-Demand” Energy
Strength
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Dispatchable energy available whenever you need it (ie can turn up a generator if no sun or wind)
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Required for a stable grid and reliable electricity service
Weakness
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Currently provided by diesel
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To meet the State’s 100% RPS goal, it is not clear how diesel generators at Palaʻau will be decommissioned or transitioned to clean alternatives.
Opportunity
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Waste to energy (closed systems only) w/ waste mining?
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Explore bioenergy options (biomass, biofuel, & biogas).
Threat
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Adequate supply
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Alternatives are likely to by costly
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Uncertain if firm energy fuel must be imported or produced locally.
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What is an EV?
Electric vehicles (EV) are similar to traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, except they replace the engine with a battery and an electric motor. There are other EVs, such as scooters, ATV, and landscaping vehicles are available for those uncomfortable making a big transition.
Why should we consider them?
Economically speaking, fossil fuels are becoming increasingly expensive and experience considerable price volatility. Further, as we transition away from burning oil for electricity, the cost of oil for vehicles will become more expensive. Buying an EV can be a strategy to save money and protect yourself from ever changing gas prices.
Environmentally speaking, EVs are cleaner. Unlike ICE vehicles, they don’t require handling and burning oil - which pollutes the air, water, and soil.
Cost Analysis and Realistic Options for EV Use on Molokai
Strength
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Decrease use of fossil fuels
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Typically requires less regular maintenance than a conventional vehicle.
Weakness
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Price of gas is volatile
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Inadequate supporting infrastructure ie charging stations
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Little to no local maintenance/repair support
Opportunity
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Used EV market for more affordable options
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Vehicle-to-grid programs are being designed and implemented
Threat
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If the electric grid stops using diesel, this is expected to spike gas prices
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Molokai CERAP Project Portfolio
Project Description
Currently ALL 40+ of Molokai’s critical infrastructure are reliant on diesel powered energy from Pālāʻau. This project calls for onsite PV and battery storage, along with any necessary upgrades (i.e. smart meters and electrical infrastructure), to provide local uninterrupted electricity and increase the ability for critical service and emergency response teams to operate during disasters. RE systems should be built to maintain 100% operation during the most likely scenarios of supply chain disruption or electrical pole damage (e.g. by high winds or car accidents). Backup generators and possibly small-scale wind should be included for top critical infrastructure like Molokai’s nine main water pumps.
1. ONSITE RE AND STORAGE SYSTEMS FOR ALL CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE
Strength
-
Onsite generation decreases the risk of electric disruption for critical infrastructure and takes into account sea level rise/road flooding/etc. that could isolate certain areas for long periods of time.
Weakness
-
Individual onsite systems are the most expensive and least efficient way to deploy PV.
Opportunity
-
Projects could provide grid services for the larger Molokai grid and support future smart grid innovations.
-
Can design Molokai regional systems to support mobile emergency generators and additional cold storage units (for food and mass casualties) that strengthen emergency response and disaster preparedness facilities.
-
Smart meters provide detailed insight on how RE is performing and how much energy is being used/generated to help energy operators protect the grid and homes.
Threat
-
"Hosting capacity" for rooftop PV is very limited. Therefore, new onsite RE would likely need to be paired with batteries and energy exporting options may or may not be available.
This graphic/illustration shows three of East Molokai’s four critical infrastructures located approximately 13 miles from Kaunakakai. Kilohana Elementary School and Kilohana Rec Center are the designated evacuation centers for East Molokai. The Pukoʻo Fire Station provides East Molokai’s only emergency services. It is visualized here at its future location in Ualapuʻe. The current Pukoʻo Fire Station (not pictured) is in the tsunami evacuation zone and must relocate to the Kilohana Rec Center in times of disaster. None of Manaʻe’s critical infrastructure have any RE or batteries to sustain operation during frequent blackouts and/or total isolation during heavy rain.
Community position
The Molokai community is in FULL SUPPORT and committed to co-designing onsite RE and storage systems for ALL critical infrastructure to be implemented as quickly as feasible.
Project Specific Requirements
-
Community-based, site-specific project design and implementation that takes into account critical infrastructure location along the grid, community needs, sea level rise, road flooding, potential grid services, responsible end of life plans, environmental and cultural impacts, etc.
-
RE systems should be co-designed with the frontline workers at each facility, local community representatives and other key stakeholders to ensure that energy solutions are robust, effective, and strongly supported by the Molokai community.
-
Project’s should always be prioritizing resiliency. Whenever and wherever possible, critical infrastructure energy solutions should have a hybrid connection to the central grid - meaning it should take advantage of the island-wide electrical grid during normal, ‘blue sky’ operating conditions, and are also able function during times of system failure, ‘gray sky’ periods, and routine maintenance-related disruptions. Programs such as Customer Grid Supply Plus (CGS+) are preferable to Customer Self Supply (CSS).
-
RE systems on critical infrastructure must account for current community needs, energy goals, future growth, and grid hardening.
Immediate Action Needed, Next Steps, & Key Partners
-
MCEH & Molokai Community:
-
Next Steps: Identify and connect with point people associated with each critical infrastructure facility. Identify the facilities that are the most interested and ready for advancing an on-site RE project. Continue to work together to create and implement a project specific co-design and consent process that works for Molokai.
-
-
Maui County & Hawaii State Agencies & Elected Officials:
-
Immediate Action Needed: Conduct a solar site assessment for all County and State owned critical infrastructure on Molokai (as listed in Appendix X) to evaluate the opportunities and constraints associated with each sites’ capacity for hosting on-site RE. Conduct a climate vulnerability assessment to clearly identify at-risk critical infrastructure. Compile Molokai-specific data to support place-based planning and design efforts.
-
Next Steps: Create place-based policy that requires and incentivises renewable energy on all existing and new critical infrastructure to help Hawaiʻi reach the goal of 100% RE by 2045 in a way that truly supports our communities.
-
-
HECO:
-
Next Steps: Provide important data and input needed for solar site assessments of critical infrastructure, realistic system design options, and community trade off discussions.
-
-
Private Owners of Molokai Critical Infrastructure (e.g. major water pumps, stores, hospital, telecommunications, grocery stores and gas stations, etc)
-
Immediate Action Needed: Share current RE planning with MCEH for early input, support, and alignment with community priorities.
-
Next Steps: Participate in CERAP 2.0 as a key stakeholder and work with MCEH and community to co-design RE systems for your critical infrastructure.
-
Molokai CERAP Example Project Portfolio
