HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0857.000 2010-2012 geometrician
ASSOCIATES , L L C
integrating geographic science and planning
phone:(808) 969-7090 PO Box 396 Hilo Hawaii 96721 rterry@hawaii.rr.com
May 25, 2012
Dear Agency/Organization Official:
Subject: Early Consultation for Environmental Assessment for Proposed
Electrolyzer-based Hydrogen Production System at Puna Geothermal Plant
to Support Mass Transit Agency Hydrogen Fueled Buses,Island of Hawaii,
TMK(3`d.) 1-4-001:002 (por.),2-2-058:018
Our firm is in the process of preparing a Draft Environmental Assessment(EA) for a proposed State of
Hawaii activity, in compliance with Chapter 343, HRS, and Title 11, Chapter 200, HAR. The Hawai`i
Natural Energy Institute (HNEI) of the University of Hawaii plans to install an electrolyzer-based
hydrogen production system at the Puna Geothermal Plant, which has agreed to host the program (see
map, below). The project includes hydrogen production, compression, and mobile storage. The
hydrogen will be road transported by US DOT approved 450-bar hydrogen tube trailers carrying about
130 pounds of hydrogen to hydrogen dispenser sites located at the Hawaii County Mass Transit
Agency Baseyard in order to supply a hydrogen-fueled shuttle bus.
HNEI has a mandate to develop alternatives to imported fossil fuels for electricity and transportation
and has established a major hydrogen fuel cell research and development program. Fuel cells produce
electricity through the electrochemical reaction of hydrogen and oxygen (or air). Fuel cells enjoy
higher efficiencies than internal combustion engines, produce no emissions except pure water, offer
fuel flexibility and generate little noise, and are thus ideally suited for mass transit applications.
Moreover, fuel cells and electrolyzers also can assist in grid management and promoting more use of
renewables such as solar and wind in the mix of power generation supplies for Hawaii electric
utilities. Since some renewable resources are intermittent, they can cause problems in maintaining the
grid for supplying electricity to customers. The project would test the electrolyzer as a controllable,
rapidly variable load that can help with grid frequency regulation in order to reduce curtailment of as-
available renewable energy.
The areas of investigation in the Environmental Assessment will include but not be limited to water
quality assurance; wastewater treatment; flora, fauna, and ecosystems; traffic impacts; geology, soils,
and hazards; flooding and drainage impacts; social and community impacts; cultural impacts; historic
sites; and economic impacts.
I would appreciate your comments on any special environmental conditions or impacts. Please contact
me at 969-7090 if you have any questions or require clarification. Kindly indicate whether you wish to
receive a copy of the EA or notification of its availability when completed. Q
Comm. No. V S 7
Ref. To:
Ref. Date SEP 1 0 ZOIt
Sincerely,
PION
Ron Terry, Principal
Geometrician Associates
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