HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0269.015 2022-2024 P/Cou.rc1'(
Re5, 10-25
COMM. 20
From: tawn
Sent: Sunday, April 30, 2023 1:02 PM CD)6.
To: Council Testimony a
Cc: Evans, Cynthia F.W.; Galimba, Michelle M.; Inaba, Holeka; Kagiwada,Jennifer; Kaalti-
Kleinfelder, Matt Kierkiewicz, Ashley; Kimball, Heather; Lee Loy, Sue;Villegas, R9beca
Subject: Resolution 193 - Advancing Toward a Hydrogen Society ;.
Testimony in opposition to Council Resolution 163 (towards a hydrogen society)
Dear Hawaii County Council Members,
Resolution 163 is inappropriate at this time in our conversion from a fossil fuel energy sources to
clean renewable energy. In a mid-term future on Hawaii Island Hydrogen will certainly have a role to
play. However, in no near-term scenario should production and utilization of Hydrogen for substantial
energy needs be encouraged. The imagination of a hydrogen society is premature at best. Diversion
of energy sources into production of'green hydrogen will detract from our efficient conversion from
fossil based energy to clean renewable energy. Energy storage through utilization of'Green
Hydrogen' production at some point, and for some uses, in that mid-term future will be desirable. For
now, let's hear what Nicole Lowen, chair of the House Energy and Environmental Protection
Committee, has to say. She is corageously speaking at a Webinar convened by Big Island advocates
for a "hydrogen society' made available by an abundance of Geothermal energy supporting Hydrogen
production.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-FXUvc2f3o Begin at 1 hr:59min:40sec (about 3 minutes)
"Even if some people have concerns about Geothermal, I think it is worth the time and energy that
it takes to work through these concerns. As far as hydrogen economy is concerned, I think it is clear
that hydrogen is going to play a part in these efforts. To meet the challenge of climate change, to
transition our power sectors of transportation and generation both, there is room for discussion of
electrification and using hydrogen as a fuel source. I think it is unproductive to frame this in a way
that picks one against the other. But I also would say, in terms of expansion of geothermal
generation, I'm here as an elected official. I don't work for a corporation or have one certain side of
the discussion that I fall on. I work for the people of Hawaii and I want what is in their best
interest. In my view, if there is an expansion of geothermal production, putting that on the grid first,
before curtailing it or pulling it to make hydrogen or other uses would be the greatest benefit to the
people of the state. To get our grid to 100% first, putting it especially for Hawaii Island, putting that
geothermal production directly on the grid, without all the efficiency that would be lost converting it to
Hydrogen and back again, or whatever the proposal is that has been presented here today."
Nicole Lowen - late 2022
We should not be encouraging a "hydrogen society' at this time. We should be encouraging a
'clean, renewable society'. Until the grid conversion is complete, which will likely be at least 10
years, clean energy sources should not be diverted toward making Hydrogen.
Thank you for your consideration.
Tawn Keeney MD
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Ref. Date .MAY a 3 2023