In the span from September 2024 to August 2025, Hawaii's electricity consumption reveals a strong reliance on fossil fuels, with oil being the primary source at over 60% of the total electricity. This leaves a significant energy footprint and emphasizes the need for a shift towards more sustainable sources. Low-carbon or clean energy sources contribute to about 32% of Hawaii's electricity. Solar energy leads this category with a substantial share of over 22%, followed by wind at just over 5%, while net imports, geothermal, and biofuels together contribute the remaining portion. The current energy landscape highlights a significant potential for Hawaii to enhance its clean energy capacity, reducing the detrimental environmental impacts associated with high fossil fuel usage.
Data sources used on this page include EIA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Hawaii?
The trend in Hawaii's electricity consumption reflects a concerning stagnation rather than growth. The most recent data shows that electricity consumption per person stands at around 7,892 kWh, a significant drop compared to the historic peak of 8,959 kWh in 2004, indicating a decrease of over 1,000 kWh. However, there is a silver lining in the rise of low-carbon electricity generation, which has reached 2,538 kWh per person, setting a new record with an increase of 104 kWh from the previous year. This growth in clean energy is promising, yet it is evident that more robust gains are necessary to meet future demands and fully capitalize on Hawaii's potential for low-carbon electricity.
Suggestions
To increase low-carbon electricity generation, Hawaii could take significant steps by expanding its existing solar infrastructure, given that solar is already a prominent contributor to the state's clean energy profile. Learning from regions with successful low-carbon initiatives, Hawaii could also consider integrating nuclear energy, emulating France or Slovakia, where nuclear contributes a staggering 68% and 67% respectively. Additionally, the state could enhance its wind energy output, taking cues from regions like Iowa or Denmark, where wind powers 60% and 55% of electricity respectively. Through such diversified strategies, Hawaii can strengthen its commitment to clean energy and substantially mitigate its carbon footprint.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity in Hawaii indicates incremental yet steady progress in solar and wind energy over the past decades. In the mid-2000s, wind energy saw gradual increases, and the introduction of solar in 2014 marked a notable turning point with a significant boost. Since then, the expansion of solar power has been a consistent trend, with additional increments recorded annually, underpinning an encouraging trajectory despite minor declines in wind generation during some years. The geothermal sector experienced a setback in 2018 with a slight drop, though it managed a recovery in subsequent years. Overall, the focus on solar and wind has formed the backbone of Hawaii's clean energy growth, underscoring the need for further diversification with technologies like nuclear to drive future advancements.
