New biomass facility approved for Hawaii’s Big Island

Hawaii state regulators have approved a biomass plant on the Big Island that is expected to satisfy up to 10% of the island's electricity needs.

The ruling by the state Public Utilities Commission (PUC) marks a step forward for Hu Honua, the company that has been developing the project in Pepeekeo since 2008.

John Silva, CEO of Hu Honua, said in a statement that the PUC approval allows Hu Honua to push ahead with capital expenditure plans, while awaiting the resolution of additional regulatory and permitting matters.

It is believed that construction of the plant, which is expected to last another nine months, will restart based on the availability of labour and materials.