Biofuels Initiatives ($6,000,000)
Hawaii Agriculture Research Center (HARC), MELE Energy Group, and the Hawaii Natural Energy Institute (HNEI) will perform testing and evaluation of sweet sorghum biofeedstock varieties and establish a biorefinery pilot plant at HARC.
Upon operation of the plant, the internal power grid of the research station will be altered to utilize electricity generated from the feedstock and demonstrate techniques that develop sustainable farm operations. HARC will be responsible for program management, and HNEI will undertake the evaluation of the sorghum biomass crop production. MELE Energy Group will provide engineering expertise in biomass plant operations and design.
Funding will be used for the testing and evaluation of biofeedstocks in the pilot plant; additional HARC staff; subcontracting of the Request for Proposals to the University of Hawaii system; tractors, a grain drill, and other implements; a chopper/harvester; lab equipment; site upgrades, utilities, and insurance; and travel for research staff.
Recipient: Hawaii Agriculture Research Center (HARC)
99-193 Aiea Heights Drive, Suite 300
Aiea, HI 96701
Why this is a good use of taxpayer dollars: Biomass fuels produced by plants or from agricultural waste can grow rapidly in Hawaii’s climate and are readily available as a renewable resource. By researching and developing feedstock to generate biofuel on a commercial scale, this project will enable the state to reduce its dependence on imported fuel sources and to achieve the goals of the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative.
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