Assessing Hydroelectric Power Potential in the State of Hawaii Using GIS

Philip Potter
EA Engineering, Science and Technology, Inc., Honolulu, HI
Deborah Solis
United States Army Corps of Engineers, Honolulu District
Luis Vega
Hawaii National Marine Renewable Energy Center
Scott Moncrief
Renee Kinchla
Tom Cook
Meghan Travers
Antti Koskelo
EA Engineering, Science and Technology, Inc., Honolulu, HI

Natural Resource Management
Monday March 5, 2012 - 10:45 am to noon

The United States Army Corps of Engineers Honolulu District (USACE) completed a reconnaissance study to assess potential hydroelectric power sources across the State of Hawaii. 　The goal of the study was to compile existing information about potential sites identified for hydropower energy development and provide an assessment of the applicability of various hydropower generating technologies in Hawaii. GIS was used to support the assessment of the power potential of existing, retired and proposed traditional hydroelectric plants in the State. GIS was also used delineate areas preferential to ocean energy development through low-level marine spatial planning, screen potential sites based on environmental and social criteria as well as to visualize the results of the study. The study methods and key results will be presented, with an emphasis on how GIS and existing geospatial data at the State level were leveraged to complete the state-wide reconnaissance of hydroelectric power potential.