The state’s last coal-fired power plant will close down in September.
By Molly Taft
Thanks to Pam P.
It’s the end of a dirty era in Hawaii. The state’s last-ever coal shipment arrived in Oahu on Wednesday, bound for the last remaining coal-fired power plant, which is due to shut down in September.
The newly arrived 15,000 tons of coal are for the AES Hawaii power plant, the largest power plant on Oahu and the biggest source of the island’s electricity. The 180-megawatt plant provided 13% of the state’s overall power in 2018.
“This week Hawai‘i is receiving its final shipment of coal,” Governor David Ige said in a statement. “This is a huge step forward in Hawaiʻi’s transition to clean energy. In its time, coal was an important resource for Hawaii and I’d like to thank the workers who have run our last remaining coal plant.
“Renewable energy projects to replace coal are coming online with more on the way,” the governor continued. “Even as we face challenges in making this transition, it’s the right move for our communities and planet. Most importantly, it will leave Hawaiʻi a better place for our children and grandchildren.”
Hawaii has been pursuing an aggressive shift toward renewable energy. In 2014, the state pledged to get to 100% renewable energy by 2045, the first state to make a net zero pledge—while also making attempts to phase out fossil fuels and overhaul its utility structure. In 2020, Senate Bill 2629 in Hawaii banned the use of coal for power on the islands. The owners of AES Hawaii had already announced the plant’s retirement before the coal ban was passed, but coupled with other coal bans in states like Oregon and Illinois, the pledge sends a strong message about the state’s intentions.