Bill > HB1019

This bill expands Hawaii's existing renewable hydrogen program to include long-duration clean energy storage technologies, particularly focusing on pumped storage hydropower. The legislation aims to address energy supply challenges caused by climate change by supporting the development of energy storage solutions. Specifically, the bill renames the Hawaii Renewable Hydrogen Program to include long-duration clean energy storage, expands the Hydrogen Investment Special Fund to allow seed and venture capital investments, and requires the development of a comprehensive program to identify and promote potential storage sites. The program will now include engineering and economic evaluations of potential storage locations, with a priority on pumped storage hydroelectric projects, while emphasizing the importance of maximizing ecological, social, and economic benefits and minimizing negative impacts on cultural heritage and agricultural lands. The bill also appropriates funds from the energy security special fund to support these activities, demonstrating Hawaii's commitment to developing resilient and sustainable energy infrastructure that can mitigate potential disruptions from extreme weather or other energy supply challenges.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1019&year=2025