Hawaii's electricity consumption over the past year, from September 2024 to August 2025, relies heavily on fossil energy, with close to two-thirds of its electricity being generated from oil. Low-carbon energy makes up almost a third of Hawaii's electricity. Solar energy is the major contributor among the low-carbon sources, providing more than 22% of the electricity, with behind-the-meter solar installations accounting for roughly 14% and utility-scale solar slightly over 8%. Wind energy also contributes to the low-carbon mix, although it accounts for only around 5% of the total electricity consumption. Other clean sources like geothermal and biofuels are relatively minor, contributing around 2% and 1.8%, respectively.
Data sources used on this page include EIA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Hawaii?
When examining electricity consumption growth, Hawaii's current per capita electricity usage is around 7,892 kWh, a decrease from the peak of 8,959 kWh per person in 2004, indicating a worrying trend of reduced electricity consumption despite the essential need for increasing clean electricity to tackle climate change and support economic growth. However, on a positive note, the low-carbon segment of electricity has seen a slight increase, with the latest generation reaching 2,538 kWh per person, surpassing the previous record of 2,434 kWh set in 2024. This growth, although small, showcases the importance and potential of low-carbon technologies in contributing to a sustainable energy future for Hawaii.
Suggestions
To enhance its low-carbon electricity generation, Hawaii should focus on expanding its already significant solar capacity. The state can draw inspiration from regions like Nevada, where solar contributes 33% to the energy mix, illustrating the potential for solar expansion. Furthermore, integrating nuclear energy can also significantly enhance low-carbon electricity generation. Successful implementations in France, where nuclear accounts for 70% of electricity, demonstrate how strategic investment in nuclear power can provide reliable and clean energy. Other urgent steps include learning from states like Iowa and South Dakota, where wind energy accounts for around 60% and 57% of the electricity mix, respectively, showcasing how a combination of solar, nuclear, and wind can create an effective strategy for sustainable energy growth.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity in Hawaii spans nearly two decades of gradual development. Starting in the mid-2000s, wind energy saw incremental growth, with an increase of 0.1 to 0.2 TWh annually until a small decline in 2017. Geothermal energy also experienced fluctuations, with notable growth in 2021 by 0.2 TWh. In recent years, however, generation from biofuels and hydro has seen slight decreases. These historical trends underscore an opportunity for continuous investment and policy support in diverse low-carbon technologies to achieve energy security and sustainability.
