September 3, 2013
BY The Hawaiian Electric Companies
The Hawaiian Electric Companies began a search for suppliers of cleaner fuels, including ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD), biodiesel or biodiesel blends. The companies are seeking up to 150,000 barrels per year (6.3 MMgy) to supply Maui Electric and Hawaii Electric Light Co. generation facilities beginning Jan. 1, 2015, for a contract term of up to three years.
This request for proposals offers biodiesel suppliers—including local biodiesel producers—the opportunity to offer biodiesel or biodiesel blends for all or part of the required volumes on Maui, Molokai, Lanai or Hawaii Island. Proposals will be considered if the biodiesel price is competitive with the price of ULSD.
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Hawaiian Electric continues to use 100 percent renewable biodiesel on Oahu in the Campbell Industrial Park Generating Station. It will also do so in the planned Honolulu International Airport Emergency Generation Facility. In addition, all diesel vehicles in the Hawaiian Electric fleets use B20, a blend of 20 percent biodiesel with 80 percent petroleum diesel.
Using renewable biofuels is one of many paths the Hawaiian Electric Companies are following to reduce Hawaii’s dependency on fossil fuel. The companies also continue to seek more energy from renewable sources, such as solar, wind, geothermal, biomass, hydro, and, in the future, from the ocean. Firm generation using biofuels in place of fossil fuels can supply the essential firm backup needed to take maximum advantage of variable renewables, such as wind and solar.
As with all fuel and power purchase contracts, the final negotiated contract or contracts will be submitted for review by the Hawaii State Public Utilities Commission with input from the Hawaii Office of Consumer Advocacy.
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Prospective bidders will find more information here. Any biofuel provided to the Hawaiian Companies must conform to environmental guidelines for the sustainable use of biofuels developed by Hawaiian Electric in partnership with the Natural Resources Defense Council, also available on the site. The proposal deadline is Oct. 15, 2013.
BWC Terminals on April 22 celebrated the official completion of its expanded renewable fuels terminal at the Port of Stockton. The facility is designed to safely and efficiently transfer renewable diesel and biodiesel from marine vessels.
Repsol and Bunge on April 25 announced plans to incorporate the use of camelina and safflower feedstocks in the production of renewable fuels, including renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
Renewable Fuels Month highlights the importance of renewable biofuels, such as ethanol and biodiesel. The month of May marks the beginning of the summer driving season, making it an ideal time to fuel up on clean and cost-saving biofuels.
PBF Energy on May 1 announced that its St. Bernard Renewables facility produced approximately 10,000 barrels per day of renewable diesel during Q1, down from 17,000 barrels per day during the Q4 2024.
Germany-based Mabanaft on April 17 announced it started to supply SAF to airlines at Frankfurt Airport in January. The company said it will deliver more than 1,000 metric tons of SAF to the airport this year under the European SAF mandate.