A vision for 2030 and 2045

The 2021 international summit on climate change made clear that the actions we take this decade will determine whether humanity can slow or stop the warming of the planet.

• Hawaiian Electric is committed to reducing carbon emissions in 2030 by 70 percent below 2005 levels.
• By 2045, our carbon emissions will be net zero, meaning whatever small amount of emissions we produce will be captured or offset.
• Reducing carbon emissions by more than two-thirds over this decade will be a stretch. We know it’s achievable, and if everyone pitches in, we’ll create a cost-effective, sustainable and resilient energy system for future generations.

Download climate change action flyer

“Hawaiian Electric has a critical role in reducing carbon emissions this decade in the State of Hawaii, especially in transportation, so this new goal is significant. The COP26 meetings made absolutely clear that even though Hawaii has done a lot, we have to do even more. Working together, Hawaii can do its part to hit these targets. We are not willing to wait for the rest of the planet to do what we know is in our community’s best interest.” - Gov. David Ige

“Hawaiian Electric’s devotion to Hawaii and our planet by committing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 70% by 2030 is a testament to their leadership and a true gamechanger for our islands. Our administration is dedicated to addressing climate change and creating a Hawaii Island where our keiki can raise their keiki for generations to come. That is why we are honored to work alongside forward-thinking companies like Hawaiian Electric, who share a unified vision of sustainable Hawaii for us all.” - Hawaii County Mayor Mitch Roth

Some of the ways we’ll get there

Using more grid-scale and customer-owned energy storage

Adding at least 1 gigawatt of renewable energy by the end of the decade

Retiring at least 6 fossil-fueled generating units and reducing the use of others as renewable projects come online

Adding 50,000 rooftop solar systems

Shutting down the state’s last coal plant in 2022

Pursuing cost-effective, low-emission or zero-emission fuels like biofuels and green hydrogen and other emerging technologies

“The Institute for Climate and Peace strongly supports rigorous emissions reduction objectives in Hawaii and everywhere, particularly at this important global turning point of COP 26. We applaud Hawaiian Electric for its commitment to significantly increasing renewable energy generation and energy storage capacity across the islands, and we hope that other institutions and companies will follow their lead. Extensive and reliable renewable energy networks in Hawaii will mitigate the harm done to our ecosystems by carbon-intensive energy production while also promoting sustainable, peaceful futures for all.” - Zelda Keller, executive director of the Institute for Climate and Peace

Making a down payment on a decarbonized Hawaii economy

This commitment by Hawaiian Electric is a significant down payment on the economy-wide reduction Hawaii will have to achieve to be in line with the U.S. reduction commitment of at least 50%.

The U.S. commitment is aligned with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) recommendation of no more than 1.5°C warming to avoid potentially devastating climate events. For Hawaii to be aligned with the national commitment, other industries, including transportation, agriculture and industry, will also have to make significant emissions reductions.

“We have seen the power of setting a vision with Hawaii’s 100 percent renewable energy law, and today's announcement levels up our collective responsibility to move at the pace and scale required to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. Rapidly reducing carbon emissions in a way that allows our communities to thrive will take all of us. We hope Hawaiian Electric's announcement will inspire businesses and leaders statewide to make similar bold commitments and work collaboratively to turn those commitments into real action.” - Melissa Miyashiro, executive director of Blue Planet Foundation