Utility seeks renewable natural gas

Hawaii Gas is looking to purchase renewable natural gas in the form of raw biogas or bio-methane and has released a request for proposals.

Local and national suppliers that can provide up to 80,000 therms per day of renewable natural gas are encouraged to apply by emailing biogasRFP@hawaiigas.com. Proposals are due by 2 p.m. Hawaii Standard Time on Sept. 19. Hawaii landowners and crop developers interested in exploring the development of locally produced renewable natural gas should contact biogasDEV@ hawaiigas.com.

Hawaii Gas plans to enter into one or more fuel supply agreements for RNG, contingent on approval from the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission.

While renewable natural gas can be produced from wastewater treatment centers, landfills and energy crops, Hawaii’s scarce resources limit scalability and increase costs. Hawaii Gas’s request for proposals aims to stimulate private-sector renewable natural gas development across the state.

“Further increasing the amount of (renewable natural gas) in our supply mix is an important priority of ours that will bolster Hawaii’s clean energy future,” said Alicia Moy, president and CEO of Hawaii Gas. “Hawaii Gas is committed to achieving this goal in a cost-effective manner for consumers. By further diversifying our fuel supply, we will enhance the resiliency of our system while increasing the reliability for our customers.”