Hawaii Energy Story
1.
Human Existential Crisis
Today, humanity is facing a perfect storm of global crises. All are of our own making. We are simultaneously being challenged by climate change, resource depletion, overpopulation, economic disparity, environmental pollution, and even a global pandemic. Each one on its own is an existential crisis. Together, the risk they pose rises to a degree never encountered in human history. Why now?
2.
Humanity and the Ecosystem We Call Earth
Our Journey from Sustainable Abundance to Overpopulation
Throughout history, plants, animals, fish, and birds lived in relative harmony with each other. They all strived to survive on an even playing field. It was a healthy ecosystem that allowed for the most adaptable species to flourish over time.
That was true until about 10,000 years ago when one species, Homo Sapiens (Humans) left its place in the natural order of things and began a journey where it now lords over all other lifeforms on Earth. Man’s impact on the natural world has become significant enough to qualify as one of only 6 geological epochs to occur since the beginning of time. It has been given a name: The Anthropocene. Unless we realign with the environment around us, we face an exceedingly difficult future
Global Energy Status -
The Big Picture
3.
Energy is the ability to do work.[1] It can be converted but cannot be created or destroyed.In practical terms, it’s more than that … It’s the ability to live in the modern world.
[1] Energy, in physics, the capacity for doing work. It may exist in potential, kinetic, thermal, electrical, chemical, nuclear, or other various forms. There are, moreover, heat and work—i.e., energy in the process of transfer from one body to another. After it has been transferred, energy is always designated according to its nature. Hence, heat transferred may become thermal energy, while work done may manifest itself in the form of mechanical energy. (Encyclopedia Britannica)
4.
Peaking Fossil Fuel Supplies
Energy is the only real currency. Every dollar of fiat currency or GDP was ultimately derived from cheap energy.
In order for the global economy to satisfy its ever-increasing need for energy, continuous discovery and development of replacement reserves must exceed the ongoing declines in existing reserves.
5.
Alternative Energy Sources
Today we hear endless discussions about “Alternative Fuels”, “Renewable Energy” and the like. What are they and how do they differ?
Nations around the world are transitioning to “alternative” or “renewable” energy sources. What are our options on Hawai‘i Island, and which are better than others?
6.
Energy and
Our Daily Lives
Science defines energy as “the capacity to do work.” Einstein says it’s “Everything”. Energy and modern life are synonymous. Without one, you don’t have the other.
From the food that powers your body to the fuel you use to power your homes, businesses, and transportation, it takes to keep things going.
7.
Hawai‘i
Island Life Is Unique
Energy consumption within island populations such as Hawai‘i has unique limitations that don’t exist on larger, interconnected, continental landmasses such as North America, Europe, or Asia. For those of us who live on islands, we must consider our need for self-reliance. That means answering the question: Can we independently generate electricity?
8.
Hydrogen Economy
Today we hear endless discussions about “Alternative Fuels”, “Renewable Energy” and the like. What are they and how do they differ?
Nations around the world are transitioning to “alternative” or “renewable” energy sources. What are our options on Hawai‘i Island, and which are better than others?
9.
Green Hydrogen:
Hawai‘i has 3 Options
The future of a Hydrogen Economy holds promise for those who live on Hawai‘i Island. We have ability to produce Green H2 affordably, efficiently, and safely. Doing so can provide us the long-sought self-sufficiency that would come with locally producing our own power and using local resources. Developing this economic strategy in the coming years can provide much needed local jobs, stimulate local business opportunities, and offer the financial support that will improve our community across the board. Sustainable Energy Hawai‘i supports developing a local H2 production economy.