Canberra, ACT's Renewable Energy Policy: A Review and Its Applications to Honolulu, Hawaiʻi

Abstract

This paper aims to identify lessons from Canberra, Australian Capital Territory’s (ACT) successful implementation of 100% renewable energy that apply to Honolulu, Hawai‘i’s current renewable energy policy and practices. ACT is the first territory in Australia to achieve 100% renewable energy. Similarly, Hawai‘i aims to be the first state in the United States to achieve this goal. The first part of the paper establishes critical components of a successful policy. An overview of Australia’s, the ACT’s and Hawai‘i’s attitudes and policies regarding renewable energy follows. Lastly, this paper evaluates the successes of the ACT’s policies against Hawai‘i’s current renewable energy status. The findings of this paper suggest further development of specific and intent-based policy plans for transparency, an increase of investment in large-scale utility clean energy generators, and a continued collaboration with other states to leverage support for clean energy culture beyond Hawai‘i.