Geothermal Energy
Energy
Renewable Energy
For Hawai‘i to be energy secure, resilient and sustainable, we need a diverse mix of renewable energy sources. Geothermal energy can play a vital role in achieving our state’s renewable and decarbonization goals, while helping to mitigate the cost of living.
Unlike other renewables like solar and wind, geothermal provides firm power — meaning it can generate electricity consistently, day or night, regardless of weather conditions. This reliability makes it invaluable in ensuring a stable and continuous energy supply, especially since the electric grids serving each island are not interconnected. To learn more about geothermal as an energy resource in Hawai‘i, visit the Hawai‘i State Energy Office’s website.
With only one geothermal energy plant on Hawai‘i Island, the state's geothermal potential remains largely untapped, highlighting the need for further exploration, funding, and community engagement to understand this resource. Investing in locally produced geothermal energy can ensure that the economic benefits of this sustainable power source remain within the state, contributing to a more resilient and self-sufficient energy future.
A Path to Sustainable, Affordable Power
Geothermal energy offers Hawai'i a unique opportunity to harness its natural resources for clean, renewable power. Yet any geothermal energy venture in Hawai‘i must be committed to the following to succeed:
Cultural Respect: Work closely with Native Hawaiian and local communities to ensure geothermal development aligns with cultural values and respects sacred lands.
Environmental Stewardship: Consider and address environmental impact and implementing best practices, including those proven effective throughout the world, to protect Hawai‘i’s diverse ecosystems.
Community Engagement: Prioritizing transparent communication, addressing health and safety concerns, and involving local residents in the decision-making process.
Economic Benefits: Understand what is most important to the community, such as not harming the environment and reducing the cost of electricity.
More Residents Support Geothermal Energy
In 2023, Ulupono commissioned what is believed to be the most extensive and complete public opinion survey on the topic of energy in Hawai‘i. The survey was designed to rank how residents perceive various forms of energy technologies, including geothermal.
Geothermal
55%
Hawai‘i Island is the most supportive of utility-scale geothermal plant in their town, while statewide support was at 47%. About a quarter of residents are neutral.
| Statewide | Oʻahu | Hawaiʻi | Maui County | Kauaʻi | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strongly or somewhat support | 47% | 47% | 55% | 40% | 40% |
| Neutral | 27% | 28% | 24% | 25% | 25% |
| Strongly or somewhat oppose | 26% | 24% | 21% | 35% | 35% |
Support for geothermal increases when potential electricity bill savings increase. For example, support increased by as much as 35% statewide (to 83% total) if there are potential electricity bill savings.
| Savings | $30/mo. | $65/mo. | $98/mo. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide | ↑19% | ↑30% | ↑35% |
| Honolulu County | ↑18% | ↑29% | ↑36% |
| Hawaiʻi County | ↑21% | ↑32% | ↑40% |
| Maui County | ↑18% | ↑30% | ↑34% |
| Kauaʻi County | ↑21% | ↑31% | ↑40% |
Environmental impact was the most important factor in support of geothermal.
| Statewide | Oʻahu | Hawaiʻi | Maui County | Kauaʻi | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Will not harm the environment | 48% | 47% | 53% | 43% | 58% |
| Will reduce the cost of electricity | 29% | 30% | 24% | 26% | 28% |
| Is supported by the community | 16% | 16% | 17% | 21% | 10% |
| Will create jobs | 7% | 7% | 6% | 11% | 4% |
Key Takeaways
91% Statewide
of respondents supported expansion of renewable energy resources in Hawaiʻi.
Hawaiʻi County is the most supportive of geothermal development – 55% strongly or somewhat support
(this increases to as much as 95% total if there are potential electricity bill savings)
Oʻahu – 47% strongly or somewhat support
(as much as 83% with potential electricity bill savings)
Maui County – 40% strongly or somewhat support
(as much as 74% with potential electricity bill savings)
Kauaʻi – 40% strongly or somewhat support
(as much as 80% with potential electricity bill savings)
More Findings
- Within Hawai‘i County, the most support for geothermal came from residents of Kohala – 69% strongly or somewhat support.
- The lowest support came from residents living in the Puna/Ka‘ū area – 32% strongly or somewhat support.
- Residents in all counties placed high importance on the development of Hawai‘i's own (energy) resources.
- Impact on electricity bills was identified as a significant factor in gaining community support.
- Fossil fuel plants ranked least favorable by wide margin. Fossil fuel plants ranked least favorable by wide margin.
Click here to learn more about the full energy survey.