Waste-to-energy isn’t a good fit for island
It is reasonable to question the priority need for a waste-to-energy facility that only will supply 5 percent of the Big Island’s power needs. Even to gain that, the waste stream will have to be supplemented, most likely through some form of biomass.
Today, this island has more electricity than can be incorporated into the grid. In effect, there is energy to waste. HELCO rejects connecting many photovoltaic systems to the grid. Granted, it is difficult to do so with many point sources of low yield and with uncertain availability. Yet, such a facility would support the council’s continual postponement in dealing with the Hilo landfill issues; it would give minor credit toward the current mayor seeking a legacy; and it would reduce transporting trash around the island.
What should not be ignored is how might a waste-to-energy scheme fit into the island’s need for lower-cost power and its noble goal of complete waste recycling and reuse. The answer is, very poorly. Studies indicate waste-to-energy is not feasible for the Big Island, the concept was rejected by council six years ago, largely on cost consideration, and the example from H-Power shows the difficulty supplying the contract trash mass.
The county currently meets the Clean Energy Initiative 2030 goal with geothermal providing the major share of renewable energy but the plant site is vulnerable to lava flows and major earthquakes.
At present, and for the predictable future, the best energy initiatives would be directed toward greater efficiency, especially by the Department of Water Supply, and storage of excess energy.
Certainly, such approaches would be the right moves toward sustainability and lower costs and would stand as a longer-lasting legacy.
Michael Reimer
Kailua-Kona