The Gas Company (TGC), Hawaii’s clean gas energy provider, is now producing renewable natural gas (RNG) for Hawaii. The Gas Company is transforming non-food-grade oils and fats into clean, reliable gas and biofuels at its renewable natural gas pilot plant in West Oahu.

The renewable natural gas plant is capable of processing up to one million gallons of feedstock per year, and it is designed to allow for expansion to accommodate increasing demand and feedstock supply availability. The facility was designed in association with Primoris Renewables, a leading innovator in renewable energy technology, and is located on the premises of TGC’s synthetic natural gas (SNG) manufacturing plant in Oahu’s Campbell Industrial Park.

The Hawaii Renewable Energy Development Venture, which is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, awarded a $1 million grant to The Gas Company to support the RNG plant demonstration. No tax credit or further taxpayer support is required for the project. ”The production of renewable natural gas is a major milestone that will allow us to provide sustainable energy from local agricultural products that were previously discarded or shipped out of state,” said TGC’s president and CEO, Jeffrey Kissel.

The Gas Company is working with companies in Hawaii to purchase locally produced, sustainable non-food-grade oils and fats for the production of renewable natural gas. Hawaii Governor Neil Abercrombie participated in today’s dedication of the RNG plant.

“Hawaii’s clean energy industry is becoming a test bed for clean technologies because of our rich portfolio of renewable energy sources and strong partnerships,” he said. “Our state government has put in place the most aggressive clean energy policy in the nation, and The Gas Company’s renewable natural gas pilot plant is a prime example of how Hawaii is investing in itself rather than exporting its dollars elsewhere.”

Because Hawaii relies on imported petroleum for approximately 90 percent of its energy – more than twice as much as any other state – Hawaii’s state government launched the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative in 2008, calling for 70 percent clean energy by 2030. The Gas Company is working toward producing half of its gas from renewable and sustainable sources.

The new facility transforms fats and oils in a process that uses the heat from its existing gas production facilities, surplus hydrogen, and steam to produce renewable natural gas and biofuels.

The renewable natural gas and biofuels that the RNG pilot plant produces will be incorporated into The Gas Company’s existing manufacturing and distribution operations. Renewable natural gas will displace gas produced from petroleum and will be distributed through The Gas Company’s 1,100-mile Oahu pipeline network. The cost for renewable natural gas should be the same as, or less, than gas produced from current sources without relying on taxpayer subsidy.

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Surfing is one of the oldest and most physically demanding sports in the world. With origins in Hawaii, surfing has grown into an internationally famous sport and has produced a large surf culture. The energizing adrenaline rush often experienced while surfing is exactly what surfers travel the world to discover.

World class surfing destinations have sprouted up in famous places, as well as overlooked parts of the world. One of the legendary surfing locations in the world is right on the islands where the sport took shape. The North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii is often considered to be one of the most dangerous, but optimal surfing locations in the surfing world.

The constant presence of unique waves ranging from 3 to 10 feet allow for surf enthusiasts to challenge themselves on large waves. The North Shore is host to the Triple Crown of Surfing, which includes the O’Neill World Cup of Surfing, Billabong Pipeline Masters and Reef Hawaiian Pro. Professional surfers from around the world convene on the North Shore every December for these events.

Located at Ehukai Beach is the world renowned Banzai Pipeline, an elusive wave that is the epitome of extreme surfing. It is known to be a very dangerous wave and only the most skillful surfers dare to challenge its waves. Experiencing the waves on the North Shore is highly recommended for advanced surfers and is often considered to be the best spot in the world for the sport.

The tropical waters of French Polynesia are also a highly desired surfing location. Teahupo’o, located in Tahiti, is an area surfers travel to in search of the perfect wave. Waves in Teahupo’o usually reach upwards of 10 feet and provide consistent conditions for the sport. It is the site of the Billabong Pro Tahiti surfing competition and constantly attracts professionals.

Teahupo’o is known for its extreme barrels and like the waves on the North Shore of Hawaii, are dangerous for even the most professional surfers. Chasing these severe waves has become a drivingforce for those who travel to Teahupo’o, often having to be towed in to these waves just to ride them.

The Central American countries of Costa Rica and Nicaragua have been steadily climbing the favorability ladder in terms of being an optimal surfing destinations. Costa Rica has many spots where surfers can enjoy the ocean, including Jaco, Tamarindo, and Hermosa. The beaches and waves are easily accessible from these coastal towns and surf schools have emerged in these areas.

There are over 700 miles of beach to choose from in Costa Rica, making it one of the most desirable surfing destinations. Nicaragua offers prime year round surfing conditions and consistently warm waters. In contrast with neighboring Costa Rica, Nicaragua offers more secluded beaches and less crowded waves.

The Popoyo Surf Lodge on Playa Guasacate is the first surf camp established in Nicaragua and continues to be a favorite. Surfers are constantly in search for increasingly difficult waves to provide an adrenaline rush. Sleepy coastal communities around the world have exploded in popularity because of their proximity and direct access to some of the most favorable surf conditions.

With waves rising well over 10 feet, areas in Hawaii, Tahiti, Central America, are just some of the world renowned surfing destinations.

 
Mana Photo / Shutterstock.com

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