JERA LNG Project for Hawaii Raises Concerns Over Renewable Energy Goals

Japanese energy giant JERA is proposing a liquefied natural gas (LNG) project for Hawaii, which they claim could lower the state's electric bills. The company held an open house event at the University of Hawaii West Oahu on August 3 to showcase their plans and address concerns.

The proposed LNG facility would consist of a floating storage and re-gas unit, which would receive gas offshore and supply it to the existing natural gas network through a subsea pipeline. JERA's vice president, Erik Montague, said that adding LNG as an energy source would make Hawaii more affordable and sustainable.

However, not everyone is convinced of the benefits of the project. Jarrett Wa'a, chair of PAR Hawaii's Refining Unit, expressed concern that the proposed facility could disrupt their 15-year renewable energy plan, which aims to transition away from oil and coal by 2045.