Progress is being made to break Maui's dependence on diesel for the generation of energy.
Thursday's Page One story on drilling test wells for geothermal energy on Haleakala as early as next year was simply the latest in a string of projects that could put the island in the enviable position of generating most of its energy through renewable sources.
Ormat Technologies is partnering with Ulupalakua Ranch in the geothermal project that could generate 24 megawatts of electricity daily for Maui Electric Co. The story said Ormat filed an environmental impact statement preparation notice with the Board of Land and Natural Resources.
The company said geothermal provides a more stable source of power than wind or solar.
But all those technologies will play an important role in Maui's future. Fourteen more windmills are currently being constructed on First Wind's Kaheawa wind farm in the West Maui Mountains.
Those devices will soon by joined by eight wind turbines constructed by Auwahi Wind Energy on Ulupalakua Ranch land. That $140 million project is expected to generate 21 megawatts - enough to supply 10,000 homes.
And, of course, businesses and home owners continue to investigate - and invest in - solar panels to alleviate the uncertainty oil prices bring to electricity bills.
So, the move to sustainability and independence from fossil fuels continues to pick up pace. As the uncertainty in the Middle East fuels wild swings in oil prices, it is reassuring to see the commitment of so many people to break our dependence in the very near future.
The news just simply couldn't come at a better time.
* Editorials reflect the opinion of the publisher.
