Pacific Biodiesel to Fuel Honolulu Airport Emergency Power Plant

Bob and Kelly King, owners Pacific Biodiesel. Photo courtesy of Pacific Biodiesel.

By Sonia Isotov

Maui-based Pacific Biodiesel has entered into a three-year contract with Hawaiian Electric Company to supply at least 250,000 gallons of locally produced biodiesel to the new 8-megawatt (MW) Honolulu International Airport Emergency Power Facility.

“We are pleased to be fulfilling our first contract under HECO’s RFP requiring locally produced fuel,” stated Robert King, CEO of Pacific Biodiesel. “This is positive movement towards empowering a strong collaboration with Hawaii’s farmers as we work together for a diversified agriculture future, a cleaner environment and green jobs.”

When the new airport emergency power plant is ready for operation in October 2012, Pacific Biodiesel will begin fuel delivery of locally recycled cooking oil collected and processed at either the Pacific Biodiesel plant on Oahu or the Big Island Biodiesel refinery in Keau’au, which is under construction.

The contract is a result of a process that started back in 2010 with a request for proposals from Hawaiian Electric. The contract will next be reviewed for approval by the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission with input from the Consumer Advocate.

“Bob and Kelly King formed Pacific Biodiesel 15 years ago and are true trailblazers in the local biofuel industry,” said Robbie Alm, Hawaiian Electric executive vice president, in a written statement. “They have taken their know-how and values across the globe from Japan to the US East Coast but also remain committed to their Hawaii roots. We are pleased to be working with them to help move Hawaii off imported oil to a clean energy future.”