$2 Billion LNG Project Criticized as Opportunity for Energy Independence Missed

A proposed $2 billion liquefied natural gas (LNG) project by JERA in Hawaii has been met with criticism from one reader, who argues that it will be a missed opportunity for the state to achieve energy independence.

The critic contends that ratepayers and taxpayers will bear the cost of the project without receiving a long-term return on investment. Instead of investing in LNG, the reader suggests that Hawaii should prioritize subsidizing containerized battery storage units to enable those who cannot install photovoltaics to participate in the renewable energy economy.

The critic notes that distributed storage can store excess solar energy during the day and release it during the evening, reducing peak load demand and stabilizing electrical bills. This technology can also replace emergency generators, keeping energy dollars within the state for investment in housing, agriculture, and social services rather than sending them offshore.