In the period from September 2024 to August 2025, Hawaii's electricity consumption heavily relied on fossil fuels, with more than half (around 61%) of its electricity generated from oil. This significant dependence on fossil fuel highlights the need for a shift towards more sustainable sources. On a positive note, almost a third of the electricity mix came from low-carbon energy sources. Solar power was a prominent form of low-carbon energy, contributing approximately 22% in total, with a majority (about 14%) from behind-the-meter (BTM) systems and around 8% from utility-scale projects. Wind power and geothermal energy also added to the clean electricity mix, with wind providing just over 5% and geothermal contributing 2%. Biofuels and net imports accounted for minor shares, each contributing around 2% and 4%, respectively. The current state reflects some progress towards cleaner electricity but indicates room for significant improvement to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Data sources used on this page include EIA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Hawaii?
Regarding the growth of electricity consumption in Hawaii, data indicates a concerning stagnation. The latest statistics show an average consumption of 7,892 kWh per person in 2025, marking a decline of 1,068 kWh per person from Hawaii's peak consumption in 2004. However, the generation of low-carbon electricity saw a positive trend, recording 2,538 kWh per person in 2025, surpassing the previous year's record by 104 kWh per person. While the overall demand for electricity has decreased over time, the increase in low-carbon generation reflects encouraging progress. Nevertheless, this advancement in clean electricity needs to be escalated further to support future energy demands and reduce fossil fuel dependence.
Suggestions
Hawaii can boost its low-carbon electricity generation by expanding its solar capabilities, given the state's abundant sunlight and existing reliance on solar power. Drawing lessons from other regions, Hawaii can look to Nevada's solar achievements, where solar accounts for 33% of the electricity mix. Adopting practices from wind-effective states like Iowa, where 60% of electricity is wind-generated, could further diversify Hawaii's clean energy portfolio. Additionally, considering nuclear energy as a sustainable option may be advantageous for Hawaii. States like New Hampshire and countries like France have successfully integrated nuclear energy, with over half of their electricity derived from this low-carbon source. Emulating these successful models could significantly enhance Hawaii's clean energy landscape, aligning with global efforts to mitigate climate change.
History
The development of low-carbon electricity in Hawaii has been characterized by alternating phases of growth and decline over the years. In the mid-2000s, wind energy saw modest progress with incremental increases, notably in 2006 and 2007. However, early gains in geothermal energy in 2009 were offset by subsequent declines. The early 2010s witnessed some growth, particularly in wind, which increased by about 0.1 TWh annually in some years, while geothermal saw erratic changes. Notably, there was a significant geothermal boost in 2021, a positive development amid other fluctuations. Energy types like biofuels experienced both growth and decline, but remained relatively minor contributors. In recent periods, wind faced setbacks as well as small advances, illustrating the ongoing challenges Hawaii faces in consistently growing its low-carbon electricity generation. To ensure a sustainable energy future, more decisive actions and investments are imperative.
