Pacific Biodiesel Technologies LLC made its first delivery of biodiesel Nov. 4 to the Hamakua Energy power generation facility on Hawaii Island as part of the biodiesel supply contract the company signed last month with Pacific Current subsidiary Hamakua Energy LLC.

As part of the agreement announced last week, Pacific Biodiesel Technologies, owner and operator of the biodiesel refinery on Hawaii Island, will supply biodiesel for Pacific Current’s Hamakua Energy power generation facility, a liquid-fuel-fired combined cycle power generation facility that sells power to Hawaii Electric Light Co. under an existing power purchase agreement. The facility is able to provide 22 percent of Hawaii Island’s generating capacity.

“Today’s delivery is especially exciting for our employees because the fuel we produce on this island will help generate power for customers in this community, including our own families here,” said Jenna Long, Pacific Biodiesel director of operations. Long, along with Bob King, Pacific Biodiesel president, oversaw the milestone first delivery to the Hamakua Energy facility. “Sustainability happens locally,” Long said, “and this is an important step as we continue to support the state’s expanding use of renewable energy.”

Pacific Biodiesel’s truck delivered 6,500 gallons of 100 percent biodiesel on the morning of Nov. 4. The company anticipates making daily deliveries of its locally made biodiesel to the Hamakua Energy facility, all transported in its biodiesel-fueled trucks.

“Keeping everything local is really nice,” said Allen Hess, plant manager for Hamakua Energy. “The fact that this fuel is produced right here and helps people in our community is a good thing. Our employees are proud to use this locally sourced renewable fuel.”