In 2030 Hawaii will be cleaner

United States. The state of Hawaii has embarked on the goal of reaching 70% clean, renewable energy by 2030. To this end, the Department of Energy of that region has granted the company Honeywell UOP US$25 million for the construction of a pilot unit of biofuels. The goal is to produce biofuel for the transportation industry, improve biodiesel biomass and have applications for jet fuel. For this, the biorefinery will work with cellulosic biomass, forest residues and algae. According to jim Rekoske, vice president and general manager of Renewable Energy and Chemicals, biomass is abundant and is an opportunity to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and improve the ecological footprint of the North American nation. The plant is currently under construction and will be located at Tesoro in Honolulu. Initial production at the refinery will begin next year (2012), and is expected to enter full operation in 2014. "Our island is very dependent on fossil fuels, so I am very happy that this alternative energy initiative has the support of the Federal Government. Hawaii will play a critical role in helping the domestic biofuel industry, and this project will create needed jobs in Honolulu," said Senator Daniel Inouye.