LNG Won’t Shield Hawaiʻi From the Next Energy Crisis - CleanTechnica

The article from CleanTechnica critically examines Hawaiʻi’s proposed interim transition to liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a solution to the state's high electricity costs, aging oil-fired plants, and isolated grids. Hawaiʻi’s State Energy Office (HSEO) study suggested that switching to LNG could reduce costs and emissions while maintaining reliability, with a net present value benefit of about $150 million. Building on this, Governor Green’s office and JERA proposed a $2 billion investment in a 500 MW gas-fired plant and LNG import infrastructure to address affordability, sustainability, and reliability challenges on Oʻahu. However, the article argues that this approach addresses a narrow, calm economic scenario rather than the real challenges Hawaiʻi faces in a volatile global energy market. The key critique is that the HSEO study and subsequent proposals fail to account for fuel price volatility and energy shocks, which have become increasingly frequent and severe in recent decades. The study’s reliance on average fuel costs overlooks the reality of recurring