In 2025, the University of �鶹��ý System has achieved 20.49% of its goal to become net-zero, according to a recent report submitted to the �鶹��ý State Legislature. The target is for all 10 UH campuses to produce as much renewable energy as they consume by January 1, 2035.

The report details the UH System’s progress toward the initial production target of 198 million kilowatt-hours (kWh). For the reporting period of July 2024–June 2025, UH successfully generated 40,577,541 kWh of renewable energy. This figure is expected to rise as several recently constructed solar systems were not yet energized during this performance period.

“Reaching this 20% milestone is a testament to our ingenuity in the face of a mandate that requires us to hit net-zero by 2035 (a full decade ahead of the rest of the state) without additional resources,” said UH Vice President for Administration Jan Gouveia. “Because this aggressive goal came without financial support, we have had to be creative, securing our own funding through long-term strategic partnerships. Most importantly, we have turned these practical challenges into opportunities for our students, utilizing the pursuit of net-zero as a living laboratory to train the next generation of leaders in environmental innovation.”

Future plans for energy independence

To maximize its energy independence, the UH System has outlined several key plans. These include refining its strategic energy plan to better balance renewable generation with improved energy efficiency measures.

“Reaching over 20% of our net-zero goal is a critical milestone that reflects years of strategic planning and dedicated effort across all 10 campuses,” said Miles Topping, UH director of sustainability. “This progress shows our deep commitment to a sustainable future for �鶹��ý and demonstrates the tangible impact of our investments in renewable energy and efficiency. Our focus now is accelerating the deployment of new PV projects and energy storage to maintain this momentum and hit our 2035 target.”

Future efforts will focus on maximizing the development of photovoltaic (PV) and other renewable energy sources, and expanding energy storage capacity to increase overall grid resiliency. UH will continue to upgrade lighting, HVAC and lab equipment. New construction and major renovations are required to aim for at least LEED Gold certification and strive for net-zero designs, ensuring UH’s infrastructure supports its long-term sustainability mission.

is charging up the island’s future workforce as its Electrical Installation and Maintenance (EIMT) students prepare to meet the demand of a 100% renewable energy grid.

The Kauaʻi CC EIMT class joined by faculty, staff and administrative members visited the 196-acre AES ����ɲ�ʻ�� Solar and Energy Storage Project to explore future collaborations. The tour provided valuable information to Kauaʻi CC students that correlates to their education and potential opportunities in the renewable energy industry.

“Our guide explained that the farm produces about 28 megawatts of power, but what really impressed us was the massive battery system sitting quietly off to the side,” said Brandon Finlay, Kauaʻi CC student. “It can store 100 megawatt-hours of energy, meaning the sun’s power can be captured during the day and used later when people on the island need it most. The panels themselves slowly tilt throughout the day, following the sun like a whole field of metal sunflowers, which helps them capture more light. Learning that the system can act like a ‘peaker plant,’ quickly stepping in to support the grid, made us realize how advanced and important this technology is for keeping Kauaʻi powered—even after sunset.”

Renewable energy workforce

Roughly 60% of Kauaʻiʻs electricity is powered through solar panels, or photovoltaic systems, and with the Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative board of directors’ goal of reaching 100% renewable by 2033, there is an increasing need to train professionals on the island. Kauaʻi CC Applied Workforce Technology Division Chair Gordon Talbo said potential internship opportunities for students will become available as this new industry partnership is established.

“Seeing how photovoltaic systems work on a large scale helped my overall understanding,” said Emily Harrah, Kauaʻi CC student.

AES Sr. Stakeholder Relations Manager Carrice Gardner, Project Manager Cameron Haughey, O&M Manager Diedrick Nagle, and Kauaʻi CC EIMT graduate Technician Keanu Dotario facilitated the tour.

Tiny, sun-powered organisms found in freshwater pools could soon fuel �鶹��ý’s sustainable future. Researchers at the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� are charting a path to transform microalgae into a “green gold” reality for biofuels, medicine and nutrition. In a study published in , experts from the (CTAHR) reveal how cutting-edge synthetic biology and metabolic engineering are clearing the way for microalgae production locally and around the world.

Microalgae excel at capturing carbon dioxide and converting it into high-value compounds such as lipids (oils) and terpenoids (organic chemicals). These can be used to create everything from renewable jet fuel to life-saving medications.

“Microalgae have immense potential because they don’t compete with food crops for land or fresh water,” said Zhi-Yan (Rock) Du, an associate professor in CTAHR’s Department of Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering (MBBE) and the study’s lead author. “Our research focuses on how we can ‘reprogram’ these organisms to produce more of these valuable materials efficiently.”

Tweaking internal chemistry

Despite their potential, producing microalgal products at a scale that can compete with petroleum has been difficult. The UH team, including graduate students led by Ty Shitanaka (co-principal investigator with MBBE professor Samir Kumar Khanal), examined how new genetic tools such as CRISPR/Cas9 can optimize the “metabolic superhighways” within the algae.

By tweaking the internal chemistry of the cells, researchers can drive the algae to accumulate higher concentrations of oil and specific health-boosting compounds without slowing down their growth, a common problem in earlier bioengineering attempts.

A sustainable vision for �鶹��ý

For �鶹��ý, the state’s year-round sunshine and coastal access provide an ideal environment for algae cultivation.

“This has the potential to help �鶹��ý create a more resilient, energy-independent economy,” said Khanal. “By integrating microalgae production with wastewater treatment or agricultural byproduct recycling, we can create a system that is both environmentally friendly and economically viable.”

The study also emphasizes the importance of “synthetic biology,” which allows scientists to design biological parts that don’t exist in nature, further pushing the boundaries of what microalgae can produce.

The research was a collaborative effort involving Professor Krzysztof Zienkiewicz from the Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Poland. This work was supported by the National Science Foundation and the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

To understand �鶹��ý’s path to 100% renewable energy by 2045, researchers at the University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa and other institutions co-authored a report . The report addresses the state’s legal mandate to generate all its electricity from renewable sources and assesses the electrical power required for �Ჹ�ɲ���ʻ��’s economy without using fossil fuels.

While �鶹��ý is aiming for 100% renewable energy by 2045, it achieved 31% in 2023. Furthermore, the state consumes nearly nine times more energy than it produces, primarily relying on petroleum, which accounts for 80% of total energy consumption.

“Through producing this report, we found that solar, wind, and batteries on their own will not scale to meet the needs we have,” said Nicole Lautze, report co-author and director of the in the �鶹��ýMānoa . “Firm (24/7) power generation, which geothermal offers, will be required for the state to achieve 100% renewable.”

The report evaluated non-fossil fuel solutions, which include solar, wind, hydro, biomass, nuclear, geothermal and ocean. This analysis aims to stimulate conversation on how the state should prepare for a non-fossil fuel economy.

Economic vulnerability, oil supply unreliability

According to the report’s analysis, �Ჹ�ɲ���ʻ��’s economy is vulnerable to structural instability within the global oil market. As �Ჹ�ɲ���ʻ��’s electricity prices are more than double the U.S. average, the state’s oil supplies are unreliable in source and price, and the overall global supply is not the only factor in this unreliability. Within 10–20 years, the report suggests, that reliance on oil should be phased out.

“The state should develop post-fossil fuel energy generation and economic capabilities that do not wholly depend on oil, or petroleum products,” said Peter Sternlicht, one of the report’s co-authors, and board member of

Researchers examined �鶹��ý’s economic activity, using the data from 2019, and evaluated non-fossil fuel solutions including geothermal. For each of them, the report implemented a feasible energy system scenario in �鶹��ý.

“We hope that this comprehensive report provides actionable information that our state can use to develop an effective and efficient transition plan away from fossil fuels and toward a more sustainable and stable energy future,” said Lautze.

The University of �鶹��ý Better Tomorrow Speaker Series is hosting a public conversation to examine the future of clean energy in �鶹��ý and California. The free event, “Pacific Rising: How California and �鶹��ý Can Lead the Clean Energy Revolution,” will feature David Hochschild, chair of the California Energy Commission and is set for Thursday, August 7, at 6:30 p.m., in the Bishop Ballroom at AC Hotel Honolulu.

“We are so pleased to welcome David Hochschild to Oʻahu. UH is deeply involved in climate and energy research, from alternative fuels to grid integration to storage, and we look forward to strengthening our partnerships with institutions in California,” said Chip Fletcher, dean of UH ����ԴDz�’s .

Two states, one goal

As federal support for clean energy initiatives faces uncertainty under the current administration, state leadership has become increasingly vital. �鶹��ý made history as the first state to set a 100% renewable energy target, while California is now making unprecedented investments toward achieving the same goal.

“We look forward to discussing with Chair Hochschild how our states can work together to sustain the clean energy revolution, even as the feds shift into reverse,” said Chris Benjamin, chair and co-founder of Climate �鶹��ý, a co-sponsor of the event.

Energy expertise

Hochschild leads the California Energy Commission, an $8.5 billion agency responsible for energy planning and policy in the world’s fourth-largest economy. With more than 20 years of experience in energy transformation, he brings extensive expertise to the clean energy transition.

His leadership has earned numerous accolades, including the Sierra Club’s Trailblazer Award, the American Lung Association’s Clean Air Hero Award, and the U.S. Department of Energy’s Million Solar Roof True Champion Award. In 2024, he was named the American Energy Society’s Person of the Year.

Climate �鶹��ý serves as the lead event sponsor, with co-sponsorship from the �鶹��ý State Energy Office, Scholars Strategy Network and AC Hotel Honolulu.

The Better Tomorrow Speaker Series is a collaborative initiative of UH ����ԴDz�, the Learning Coalition, and the �鶹��ý Community Foundation, bringing together thought leaders to address pressing issues facing our communities.

The Regents’ Medal for Excellence in Research is awarded by the University of �鶹��ý Board of Regents in recognition of scholarly contributions that expand the boundaries of knowledge and enrich the lives of students and the community.

Sloan Coats

Sloan Coats is an assistant professor in the Department of Earth Sciences and an affiliate of the International Pacific Research Center at the UH ����ԴDz� School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology. Coats joined UH ����ԴDz� in November 2019, after holding postdoctoral and positions at the University of Colorado, Boulder, and the National Center for Atmospheric Research, as well as faculty roles at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution.

His research combines advanced statistical techniques, climate models and both observed and paleoclimatic data to investigate climate variability and change across timescales. A key aspect of Coats’s work is its interdisciplinary nature, reflected in his contributions to diverse fields such as glaciology and seismology.

In addition to his research, Coats is a passionate advocate for the broader research community at UH. He co-directs the NSF-funded Earth Sciences on Volcanic Islands Research Experiences for Undergraduates program, which provides undergraduate students with hands-on research experience in Earth sciences.

Matthieu Dubarry

Matthieu Dubarry is an associate researcher at the �鶹��ý Natural Energy Institute (HNEI) in the UH ����ԴDz� School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology. With more than 20 years of experience in renewable energy, he specializes in lithium-ion battery research.

He joined HNEI in 2005 as a postdoctoral fellow, analyzing the usage data from a fleet of electric vehicles. He was appointed to the faculty in 2010, where he has focused on battery testing, modeling and simulation.

Since 2014, Dubarry has led his own research group, supported by funding from federal agencies and industry partners. He is recognized for pioneering data-driven techniques to non-destructively assess lithium-ion battery degradation.

His work has produced a suite of software tools for predicting battery lifespan at both the cell and pack levels. His diagnostic model, ʻalawa—named for the Hawaiian word meaning “to diagnose with insight”—has earned global recognition and is used by universities and companies around the world.

Rick Kazman

Rick Kazman is the Danny and Elsa Lui Distinguished Professor of Information Technology Management at the UH ����ԴDz� Shidler College of Business. His research focuses on software architecture, analysis tools and technical debt. He helped develop several influential methods and tools, including the Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method, Titan and DV8, which are widely used to evaluate and improve the structure and maintainability of software systems.

Kazman has authored more than 250 publications, holds three patents and has written nine books, including Software Architecture in Practice, Technical Debt: How to Find It and Fix It and Designing Software Architectures: A Practical Approach. His work has been widely adopted by Fortune 1000 companies and cited more than 30,000 times, according to Google Scholar.

A leading figure in his field, Kazman currently serves on the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Computer Society’s Board of Governors. His contributions continue to shape industry best practices and advance the discipline of software engineering.

Agrivoltaics, which combines solar energy generation with agricultural production, represents a cutting-edge solution to land use challenges. The University of �Ჹ�ɲ���ʻ��’s Office of Sustainability and participated in a tour of the �鶹��ý Agriculture Research Center (HARC) Agrisolar project in November. The event highlighted the intersection of renewable energy and agriculture, offering students a firsthand look at an innovative approach to sustainable land use.

The HARC Agrisolar project, established in collaboration with AES Corporation, Longroad Energy and Clearway Energy Group, spans a 230-acre solar farm in Mililani. Underneath the panels, researchers have successfully cultivated crops such as lettuce, strawberries, radish and poha berries since the project’s inception in June 2022.

“We learned and witnessed how growing agriculture under solar produces higher yields of both food and energy,” said Miles Topping, director of the UH Office of Sustainability.

The dual-use system enhances sustainability by creating microclimates that reduce heat stress, conserve water and support biodiversity.

Hands-on experience for students

For engineering students, the tour offered a chance to connect classroom learning with real-world applications. Participants observed thriving crops beneath solar panels and engaged with researchers to understand the challenges and successes of agrivoltaics.

“It was really cool seeing land being used for both agriculture and clean energy production,” said Nicholas Atkins, a UH engineering student. “I am excited to see where their research will take sustainability on Oʻahu.”

The HARC Agrisolar project showcases dual-use systems that address land scarcity, enhance food security, and advance renewable energy while prioritizing Indigenous and locally significant crops. Learn more about the project at .

As the University of �鶹��ý aims for zero-waste goals, students got a close up look at how waste is handled on Oʻahu through participating in a tour coordinated by the City and County of Honolulu to two waste management facilities: H-POWER and Waimanalo Gulch Sanitary Landfill in December.

This initiative, coordinated by the UH Office of Sustainability, in partnership with the Student Sustainability Council, was part of the broader “Tour de Trash” program at UH, which aims to explore the path of our ʻōpala (trash).

“The tour de trash was very eye-opening in learning how our waste gets managed and what gets done to it,” said Alexander Ah-Tye, a UH student participant. “Typically we don’t give throwing away trash a second thought since it’s out of sight and out of mind. Seeing it in person really makes you consider how much waste we produce within our island. It made me a little self-conscious of all the times I have haphazardly thrown tons of non-recyclable and non-renewable materials away.”

The first stop was H-POWER, a waste-to-energy facility in Kapolei. Participants witnessed how municipal solid waste is incinerated to generate electricity for Oʻahu. A highlight was observing crane operators maneuvering massive amounts of waste into the incinerator. H-POWER processes approximately 700 tons of waste annually, showcasing its role in reducing landfill reliance while generating renewable energy.

The second stop was the Waimanalo Gulch Sanitary Landfill, which manages the final destination for ��ʻ�����’s non-recyclable waste. Participants noted the landfill’s operations and commitment to minimizing its environmental impact.

“This tour was designed to give students a firsthand look at how our waste is managed and transformed into energy,” said Ruby Aliason, UH Office of Sustainability event organizer. “By seeing these processes up close, we hope to inspire students to think critically about waste reduction and sustainability efforts on campus and beyond.”

The at the University of �鶹��ý (ARL at UH) has secured a $110 million, five-year contract from the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), with the potential for a five-year extension. This funding will support groundbreaking research, development, engineering, testing and evaluation of DoD programs.

As one of only five U.S. Navy-sponsored University-Affiliated Research Centers, ARL at UH has secured over $175 million in funding since its establishment in 2008. The laboratory conducts innovative research addressing some of today’s most pressing challenges, including renewable energy, sea-level rise, cybersecurity, underwater munitions detection and coral reef ecology.

“The Applied Research Laboratory at UH is not only tackling critical challenges that impact �鶹��ý and the world, but it’s also paving the way for �鶹��ý’s students to lead in high-tech fields,” said UH Vice President for Research and Innovation Vassilis L. Syrmos. “This partnership positions UH and our state as global leaders in innovative solutions, from coastal defense to renewable energy and advanced cybersecurity.”

Examples of ARL at UH research:

• R3D Coastal Defense: ARL at UH leads the Rapid Resilient Reefs for Coastal Defense (R3D) initiative, developing hybrid coral reefs to protect coastlines from erosion and storm surges while supporting marine biodiversity.
• Wave Energy Test Site (WETS): In partnership with �鶹��ý Natural Energy Institute, ARL at UH operates WETS, the first U.S. project to connect wave-generated power to the grid. WETS advances renewable energy innovation and reinforces �鶹��ý’s clean energy leadership.
• Locating and Mapping Munitions: For over 15 years, ARL at UH has located and mapped thousands of corroding munitions off �鶹��ý’s coastlines, reducing risks to public safety and marine ecosystems.
• Cybersecurity: ARL at UH strengthens Pacific region cybersecurity through advanced computing and Machine Learning models, ensuring rapid anomaly detection and infrastructure resilience.
• Shaping the Future of Technology: ARL at UH drives innovation in digital engineering, prototyping, and maritime technologies, advancing solutions for national defense and environmental sustainability.

Related UH News stories:

• UH experts develop new tech to find sea-disposed munitions, September 15, 2024
• UH developed, living coastal-protection system prepares for deployment, September 2, 2024
• ARL at UH provides support for �鶹��ý during emergencies, May 9, 2024
• ARL at UH work helps data tech earn graduate research fellowship, May 3, 2024
• ARL at UH innovative tech hub for �鶹��ý, national defense, March 27, 2024
• Autonomous surface vehicles, remote sensors, more on display at MCBH, March 8, 2024

The calls �鶹��ý an “ideal solar market,” which employs more than 2,300 people and has invested more than $4.8 billion in solar and storage through the second quarter of 2024. To enhance renewable energy education, equipment wholesaler Inter-Island Solar Supply donated thousands of dollars worth of inverters to in October.

“An inverter is one of the most important pieces of equipment in a solar energy system. It’s a device that converts direct current (DC) electricity, which is what a solar panel generates, to alternating current (AC) electricity, which the electrical grid uses,” according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

The donation will help familiarize students in the with real-world equipment commonly installed in the clean energy industry around the state.

“We are incredibly grateful for the generous donation from to our program,” said EIMT faculty member Renee Dela Cruz. “This contribution enhances our curriculum and provides our students hands-on experience in cutting-edge renewable energy technologies. By integrating solar inverter training into our program, we are equipping our students with essential skills that are increasingly in-demand in today’s job market.”

The EIMT program prepares students for employment with electrical appliance shops, utility companies, and electrical construction and maintenance companies.

“The �鶹��ý Community College Electrical Installation and Maintenance Technology program was a key stepping stone in advancing my career,” said Dason Fujimoto, Inter-Island Solar Supply’s IT systems project manager. “I’m excited to have the opportunity to work with Inter-Island Solar Supply to give back to this program and help foster the next generation of industry leaders.”

For more, .

A blessing ceremony for a solar-plus-storage project located on approximately 66 acres of land was held in April 2024, but the work that made it a reality began nearly a decade earlier. That’s when a group of UH administrators started laying the foundation for the project that would help the 10-campus system meet its January 1, 2035 net-zero energy goal (producing as much as energy as consumed).

“I donʻt think people fully realize what it took to get to this point,” said UH Vice President for Administration (VPA) Jan Gouveia. “The moral of the story is that if you don’t start something now, you are not going to get something by 2035.”

The facility, built and operated by , is generating 12.5 megawatts of clean energy and is supported by a 50 megawatt hour battery energy storage system. It is operating under a 25-year power purchase agreement with Hawaiian Electric Co. (HECO) and is reducing fossil fuel use on Oʻahu by 750,000 barrels of oil.

Once upon a time, in 2015

HECO issued a Request For Information (RFI) for the project in 2015, a few months after Miles Topping was hired as the Director of Sustainability. Thatʻs when Topping brought the idea of using UH West Oʻahu lands for the project to Gouveia.

“Without Miles initially approaching us about this project, it never would have happened,” said Gouveia. “It then takes the staying power of key people over nine years to make something like this finally happen in 2024.”

The key people were Topping, Gouveia, VPA special assistant Carol Takahashi and UH attorney Bruce Matsui, who started meeting biweekly. Their early milestones included submitting UH lands to non binding HECO Land Request For Information, Board of Regent approval for Letter Of Intent (LOI) and Use and Occupancy (U&O) real estate agreement, and issuing the LOI and U&O to potential developers.

“The regents in 2018 really deserve a lot of credit for their willingness to venture a little outside of their comfort zone by approving a long-term agreement with an entity that was unknown at the time,” said Gouveia. “When you are trying to do something that has never been done before, you have to have the fortitude to do what it takes to make it happen.”

After AES �鶹��ý was awarded the bid in 2018, Nick Molinari from the energy company was added to the UH team. They navigated through several legal and regulatory issues with multiple agencies and private landowners including the Board of Water Supply, Grace Pacific Quarry and local farmers.

Topping says negotiating this complex landscape was meticulous and required extensive collaboration with stakeholders, adding the UH team’s dedication and expertise was essential.

“Jan is responsible for so many things and for her to have the bandwidth to pay attention to this and breathe life into it was, I mean, it’s just remarkable,” said Topping.

Project embraces UH West Oʻahu values

At the April 2024 blessing ceremony for the new facility, UH West Oʻahu Chancellor Maenette Benham said the project is a perfect fit for the campus.

“The solar project embraces all of our institutional values of Poʻokela (educational excellence), Waiwai (philanthropy, scholarships and partnerships), Hana Lawelawe (service to the larger community), Kaiāulu (our campus community), and Mālama Honua (care of land, sea and sky),” said Benham. “We look forward to the continued benefits that it brings for our students, faculty, staff and their ʻohana (family).”

Along with generating and storing clean energy, the land is being used for sheep grazing. AES �鶹��ý President Sandra Larsen said the solar-plus-storage project is focused on supporting Oʻahu’s economy and environment over the long term.

“It’s especially gratifying because the overall priority of this innovative clean energy project is to help make Oʻahu a better, healthier and more affordable place for future generations to make a life here for their families,” said Larsen.

A sentiment that everyone involved can take great pride in, especially the regents and the team of UH administrators who made it possible.

The at the University of �鶹��ý (ARL at UH) is known for its research in renewable energy, coastal defense for sea-level rise, cybersecurity and more but it has also been active in supporting the community, especially in times of crisis.

Maui wildfires

ARL at UH worked with the Maui tech community to distribute Starlink terminals to Lahaina as part of the wildfire recovery effort. Approximately 500 Starlink terminals were distributed over two days, reestablishing communications for emergency personnel and those affected by the wildfires. The team also developed an app to organize information about missing community members and coordinated financial and supply donations for the Lahaina community, acting as “boots on the ground” to support recovery on Maui.

“Our work is community-driven. We help meet the needs of many of the emerging problems �Ჹ�ɲ���ʻ��’s communities are facing,” said Margo Edwards, director of ARL at UH. “ARL at UH is at the forefront of technological innovation for disaster response, which will be crucial for �鶹��ý as climate change continues to impact our state.”

COVID-19 pandemic

ARL at UH partnered with the �鶹��ý Pandemic Applied Modeling Work Group to create a forecast tool that allowed epidemiologists to visualize the future state of the COVID-19 pandemic. The tool helped �鶹��ý’s medical professionals prepare for hospital capacity and overflow.

“Several online tools exist that incorporate the SEIR [model for infectious disease dynamics] model, however, what we did was take those tools and customize it for �鶹��ý to support �Ჹ�ɲ���ʻ��—a�����⾱�Բ� the lessons from around the world and also factoring in �Ჹ�ɲ���ʻ��’s unique circumstances,” said Baseem Missaghi, an application developer at ARL at UH who helped work on the forecasting tool. “It also allowed us to develop a strong relationship with other groups in �鶹��ý that had a shared passion for helping the community.”

With the UH Mānoa College of Engineering, ARL at UH assisted �鶹��ý physicians to develop a technique for ventilating up to four patients using a single ventilator with a “multi-split ventilator system.” ARL at UH also partnered with the UH Mānoa School of Nursing to develop and deploy an app to count how masks were being worn in �鶹��ý.

“ARL at UH has the ability to quickly build services, tools and apps,” said Missaghi. “Our work with the Department of Education on a check-in app and the UH Mānoa School of Nursing on the facemask tracking app allowed ARL at UH to help and serve the �鶹��ý community.”

ARL at UH is the fifth U.S. Navy-sponsored University-Affiliated Research Center, bringing in a total of $139 million since it was established in 2008.

The at the University of �鶹��ý (ARL at UH) is addressing a wide range of emerging problems facing �鶹��ý and the world such as renewable energy, coastal defense for sea-level rise, submerged breakwaters and coral reef ecology, cybersecurity, underwater munitions detection, and more.

“As the state advances its research and innovation sector to create a more diversified economy through the growth of a high-tech workforce, the University of �鶹��ý continues to be a driving force behind this initiative,” said UH Vice President for Research and Innovation Vassilis L. Syrmos. “The ARL at UH continues to be at the forefront of cutting-edge research while providing a pathway for students to receive the real-world experience required for the high-tech sector here in �鶹��ý and across the country.”

ARL at UH is the fifth U.S. Navy-sponsored University-Affiliated Research Center, bringing in a total of $139 million since it was established in 2008. In 2022, ARL at UH received $27 million in funding.

“I see our role at ARL as being at the forefront of technological innovation, to help protect those who protect us, whether that’s the military, first responders or our planet,” said Margo Edwards, director of ARL at UH. “This research is important to our state and country, and it is exciting that it is happening right here in �鶹��ý.”

The Wave Energy Test Site (WETS) is an example of that important research. The renewable energy project is a collaboration between the �鶹��ý Natural Energy Institute (HNEI) and ARL at UH and a proving ground for wave energy converters (WECs). WETS achieved a groundbreaking milestone in 2015 by connecting wave-generated power to the grid for the first time in the U.S.

“Thanks to the funding provided in support of advancing wave energy, from both the U.S. Navy and the Department of Energy, my team has been able to work on this critical issue facing our state and nation,” said HNEI researcher Patrick Cross, who is in charge of the WETS project and related marine energy research tasks. “We strive to develop this abundant source of clean, renewable energy that is ideal for coastal regions and islands, like �鶹��ý.”

ARL at UH research:

• R3D coastal defense: With a commitment to protecting coastal infrastructure, ARL at UH spearheads the Rapid Resilient Reefs for Coastal Defense (R3D) initiative. With a multidisciplinary team and $17.1 million in funding, R3D is conducting cutting-edge research on hybrid coral reefs—nature-inspired submerged breakwaters designed to protect coastlines.
• Cybersecurity: As stewards of cybersecurity in the Pacific region, ARL at UH operates a network with high-performance computing systems and Machine Learning (ML) models. The Pacific Ecosystem for Cyber analyzes network activity, ensuring swift detection of anomalies and updating ML models within hours.
• Shaping the future of technology: ARL at UH focuses on digital engineering, prototyping, maritime domain awareness and field experimentation technology. Each endeavor contributes to the technological advancement of critical capabilities and addresses emerging challenges.
• COVID-19 response: Collaborating with the �鶹��ý Pandemic Applied Modeling Work Group, ARL at UH developed a forecast tool to aid medical professionals in preparing for hospital capacity challenges. Further contributions include a technique for ventilating multiple patients with a single ventilator and an app for monitoring mask usage in �鶹��ý.

Daisy Green’s career has truly come full circle. Several years after graduating from the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� with a degree in , the Waikōloa, �鶹��ý Island local has returned to the as a new faculty member.

“I’m very grateful for this opportunity to return back home,” Green said. “Everyone here has been really nice and helped me get settled in and I’ve had the chance to talk with people about possible research collaborations.”

The 2012 Kealakehe High School graduate was a UH ����ԴDz� regent scholar and graduated in three and a half years. While at UH ����ԴDz�, Green cultivated her passion for being “green” and sustainable. She participated in an x96 project, working in the smart campus energy lab under the guidance of Professor Anthony Kuh.

After graduating from UH ����ԴDz�, she was accepted to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology where she earned a master’s and PhD degree in electrical engineering and computer science, and worked as a postdoctoral associate. Green’s research focused on creating more energy efficient systems and better thermal control in buildings. She hopes her experiences and research interests in sustainability will help to create a clean energy future in �鶹��ý.

“I want to do research that helps establish a more sustainable electric grid,” Green said. “While we’re transitioning to more clean energy, there’s going to be more monitoring and control that’s required to ensure the stability and resilience of the grid.”

“Daisy has so much to offer the University as well as the State of �鶹��ý,” said UH ����ԴDz� College of Engineering Dean Brennon Morioka. “Not only is her expertise something that will help the State in achieving one of its very ambitious goals, being that of clean energy, but she will be also able to serve as a role model for many of our local students to help them envision what students in �鶹��ý can achieve while also encouraging them to consider careers right here at home.”

Serving up aces, on and off the court

During her time as a UH ����ԴDz� student, Green was also a member of the , competing for three seasons from 2012–15. She said juggling both academics and athletics helped to refine her time-management skills and hopes to support her students, not just in academics and research, but also about life.

“I definitely hope to be able to mentor students and help students find what path they want to take—especially in electrical engineering or other engineering fields,” Green said. “I want to give back to the many communities here which have also helped me along the way.”

Family support

Green is grateful for the support from her parents, Stephen and Yuko. Stephen, who is a UH mechanical engineering alumnus, annually contributes to UH to support students, and in 2018, he wrote a letter to President David Lassner expressing their appreciation of Daisy’s UH Regents scholarship, which—along with the UH Presidential scholarship—supports �鶹��ý students with a record of outstanding academic achievement.

A father thanks UH for daughter’s continued success, January 16, 2018

“My parents are great,” Green said. “They’re very supportive of anything that I wanted to pursue—both in terms of school and tennis. Since my dad graduated with a mechanical engineering degree from UH, it’s definitely a full circle moment. They’re very happy that I’m back here.”

While she may be one of the newest additions to the engineering faculty roster, Green’s experiences and accomplishments prove that she really is a seasoned professional and not “green.”

—By Marc Arakaki

Using artificial intelligence (AI) to improve energy efficiency, and transforming waste into pre-refined biomass are a pair of projects that won pitch events in �鶹��ý and are headed to nationals to compete for more than $400,000 in cash prizes.

Quang Loc Lam, a University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� PhD student in in the , created a company called “Energy AId” that uses AI to identify the pattern of energy usage in buildings and find opportunities to improve energy efficiency.

“It’s our responsibility to come up with sustainable solutions now to alleviate the burden for the next generation,” Lam said. “Using AI and other technologies, we can significantly improve energy efficiency and reduce energy costs for buildings. It’s exciting to think about the possibilities.”

Kunlan Yang, a senior undergraduate student, launched “ABLE,” a �鶹��ý-based biowaste company that transforms waste from businesses such as restaurants, hotels, and farms into pre-refined biomass, which is then sold to biofuel refineries. Yang’s mission is to revolutionize the perception of food waste, serving as a comprehensive solution and driving �鶹��ý toward its 2045 sustainability goals.

“The inspiration for this idea struck me after backpacking through Europe, where I realized there is significant value in leftover food,” Yang said. “Fueled by a passion for food and the environment, this idea uses biofuel technology to extract value from food waste and turn it into a source of renewable energy.”

National showcase

Lam and Yang are headed to nationals called the . They are among 225 teams from 117 schools that will compete in the competition hosted by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Technology Transitions (OTT).

Over the next several weeks, the competitors will develop actionable and scalable plans for business and commercialization opportunities around high-potential energy technologies. The three-phase competition is supporting the next generation of clean energy leaders in the U.S., who have the potential for global impact on the cleantech industry. Competitors are provided with free resources, including exclusive access to OTT’s Energy I-Corps curriculum, and mentorship from industry leaders to help them hone their proposals.

Cultivating new innovators

The (PACE) at the Shidler College of Business serves as a collaborative hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and knowledge exchange. Recognizing the need for innovation in the energy sector, PACE encouraged its students to participate in the Department of Energy’s national challenge. Lam and Yang, who both serve as , stepped up to the challenge, put their application in and advanced to the regional pitch event. PACE Entrepreneur-in-Residence Jeff Hui is coaching the teams for the regional event, and the teams are also tapping into the network of resources offered by PACE.

“PACE is proud of these students for advancing to the regional pitch event and representing the university in this national competition,” said PACE Executive Director Sandra Fujiyama. “Activities like this provide students with valuable practical learning experiences, and showcase the innovative ideas of our students to address energy challenges locally and globally, which aligns with the Shidler College of Business’ and the university’s strategic plans.”

A student’s love of math is enabling her to support (100% clean energy by 2045) through research projects at the University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa (SOEST).

Mattox Telwar is working with the (HGGRC), led by Nicole Lautze, in SOEST to better understand the potential for geothermal energy across the state.

“I chose to pursue a minor in mathematics simply because I love it, and I believe that a strong mathematical background would help me in my research efforts,” said Telwar.

Geothermal energy production

HGGRC explores the geologic structures in Hawaiian volcanoes and how those structures influence groundwater storage and flow. On Lānaʻi, HGGRC is exploring Palawai Basin’s groundwater system, an important factor for geothermal energy production.

“Because of �Ჹ�ɲ���ʻ��’s active volcanoes and the presence of subsurface heat, the use of geothermal energy can prove to be a viable option to solve some of the state’s energy woes,” said Lautze.

After the field project, Telwar asked to assist with data processing and translating the group’s data into results. To continue Telwar’s work with the researchers, Lautze offered her a position as an undergraduate research assistant in HGGRC.

“I have had the opportunity to participate in many fieldwork projects, including surveys to map groundwater flow, collecting gravity measurements, working in 3D modeling, and participating in presentations about our work,” said Telwar.

Born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee, Telwar moved to �鶹��ý and joined SOEST after graduating high school. She found a passion for research and Earth sciences during her first semester and is now pursuing a bachelor’s of science degree in Earth Sciences with a concentration in geophysics and tectonics and a minor in mathematics.

Telwar is on track to graduate in spring 2025, and intends to pursue a doctorate degree in geophysics or planetary science in hopes of creating a research career focused on sustainability and discovery efforts.

.

For island and remote communities in the U.S., developing resilient electricity infrastructure and energy systems can be fraught with challenges. In �鶹��ý, the (�鶹��ý Sea Grant) was awarded $400,000 to collaborate with the (HSEO) to inform the state’s energy future. The project team will work to build trusted, long-term relationships with the remote communities most impacted by energy grid fragility and in need of multiple options for making the energy transition.

“Our team aims to help communities approach renewable energy in the overall context of hazard and emergency preparedness, rather than as a stand-alone issue. We are looking forward to building on existing outreach programs to further build individual community resilience,” said Amy Wirts, �鶹��ý Sea Grant’s coastal lands program coordinator and one of the project leads on the grant.

NOAA’s (Sea Grant), in partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Water Power Technologies Office, is supporting projects in Alaska, Guam and �鶹��ý that will examine how adoption of ocean renewable energy could support sustainable energy systems. Nationwide, Sea Grant and DOE recommended three projects for a total of $800,000 to conduct community engagement activities that will help illuminate community values, perceptions and cultural contexts around energy innovation and resilience.

By placing communities at the center of technology advancement efforts and gleaning on-the-ground information about local, place-based energy transitions, the results of these projects will be critical to helping inform DOE programmatic efforts that catalyze innovative energy solutions.

“It is critical to support these communities as they engage in the process of identifying, planning and developing the local clean energy resources that meet their long-term needs,” said Jonathan Pennock, director of Sea Grant. “Sea Grant is excited to partner with DOE’s to assist communities in effectively engaging with emerging energy technologies intended to secure a sustainable, resilient and equitable future.”

Community-based energy planning

The projects’ overall goal is to develop information pathways and build trusted relationships, and to support community-based energy planning to unlock ocean energy development. The three main elements of the �鶹��ý project are: (1) expand the existing HSEO Energize Kākou community engagement program to include ocean energy and rural communities; (2) further develop the HSEO Clean Energy Wayfinders outreach program; and (3) build capacity for community and local organizations to directly engage with underserved communities to support energy transition.

Ocean energy systems can harness energy from the power of ocean waves, tides and currents, or even the differences in salt levels, temperatures and pressure. These resources are incredibly predictable, meaning ocean energy technologies have the potential to be important contributors to a reliable and clean electricity grid.

The project leads from �鶹��ý Sea Grant include Amy Wirts, Katy Hintzen and Darren Okimoto. .

–By Cindy Knapman

The ’s Green Revolving Fund has received $50,000 through the Ulupono Fund at the �鶹��ý Community Foundation.

UH Mānoa’s Green Revolving Fund is an internal investment fund created to reinvest cost savings and rebates from energy efficiency projects. The Green Revolving Fund is an important part of the university’s effort to move toward its “net zero” goal by 2035 to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. To date, UH has achieved just over 9% of its net zero goal and the output supported by the Green Revolving Fund will greatly contribute toward achieving this goal in less than 13 years.

Universities across the U.S. use revolving funds to provide financing upfront for energy efficiency upgrades and use the savings from the lower operating expenses, as well as rebates and other philanthropic sources, to replenish the fund.

The grant provided through the Ulupono Fund will help accelerate projects planned at the Mānoa campus, which is currently going through an exterior lighting retrofit with energy-efficient LED lighting that will use 64% less energy than the current high-intensity discharge light fixtures and have a longer lifespan and require less maintenance. UH also recently installed a solar PV shade atop the lower-campus parking structure.

Related: PV parking canopy to help UH reach net-zero goal, August 2022

“This support from the Ulupono Fund at the �鶹��ý Community Foundation will help us complete even more efficiency projects, such as the LED light installations, while adding to the fund for future projects,” said Miles Topping, director of energy management at UH Mānoa. “We’re grateful for their support.”

“We are pleased to support UH Mānoa and its energy-efficient projects, which have the potential to save the university millions of dollars each year in energy costs by embracing energy efficiency,” said Murray Clay, Ulupono Initiative president. “This is one of many examples where we work with our partners by supporting sustainable solutions to positively help transform our community and the lives of our neighbors.”

The campus is closing a second phase of its Strategic Energy Management Master Plan, and entering a third phase, which will involve installing more solar photovoltaic panels on buildings around the campus. Other energy efficiency projects include LED lighting replacements, HVAC efficiency improvements, battery storage, water efficiency measures and waste management.

recently celebrated the dedication of a new photovoltaic system on its campus. The solar panel system, built by Greenpath Technologies, is part of the University of �Ჹ�ɲ���ʻ��’s ongoing commitment to increasing energy efficiency across its 10 campuses and moving toward its goal of net-zero energy by 2035.

“We gathered to celebrate the completion of the photovoltaic system, the realization of the UH direction to embrace renewable energy systems on our campuses, and to acknowledge the efforts of so many people to make this project a reality,” said Joseph Daisy, Kauaʻi CC chancellor. “The college remains grateful for the continued support of our public officials, as well as our business and community members, for the important work the college does in partnership and service to Kauaʻi.”

The initial $2 million investment for the project was provided by the �鶹��ý State Legislature in 2019, and the groundbreaking was in May of that year.

“We are excited about this investment to ensure our campuses are generating renewable energy and meeting our sustainability goals,” said Michael Unebasami, UH Community Colleges associate vice president for administrative affairs. “We would like to thank the �鶹��ý State Legislature and �鶹��ý Senate President Ron Kouchi for their support and providing the initial funding for this important project.”

The PV system, which took four years to complete, is already providing energy cost-savings for the campus.

“Since July 2022, the PV system has generated a 30% reduction in electrical costs or approximately $20,000 a month reduction in its electric bill,” said Kauaʻi CC Facilities Manager Patrick Watase.“A better barometer in savings will be determined from the data of at least one year. PV production decreases due to shorter daylight and cloudy weather conditions during the winter months, so demand will increase. We currently turn on exterior lighting around 5:45 p.m. versus 7:30 p.m. during the summer months.”

UH is committed to being a leader in renewable energy and has a goal to become net-zero, or produce as much energy as it consumes, by 2035, exceeding and in full support of the state’s goals to be 100% renewable by 2045. The university’s first rooftop system was built in 2009 at the UH Hilo campus. Its PV systems include: rooftop installations, parking shade structures and ground mount arrays. These projects are built through a portfolio of funding sources including capital procurements and power purchase agreements.

–By Lesli Yogi

The Life Sciences Building, the newest facility on the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� campus, now features shaded outdoor space where students can study comfortably and charge their laptops and smartphones, day and night.

Five photovoltaic (PV) powered umbrella, table and bench systems have been installed in the building courtyard. Each system is designed to accommodate four people with four waterproof AC outlets, four wireless charging stations and lighting. The 9-kilowatt system includes self-sufficient batteries able to power twenty laptops at a time, no matter the time of day. One of the tables is wheelchair accessible.

The university is considering expanding on the $100,000 pilot project and providing similar outdoor study spaces on campus. Recent student surveys identified a desire for more outdoor study spaces with access to power.

The project is a modest step forward in the UH 10-campus system goal of net-zero energy by 2035. Net-zero energy is when the energy generated is more than the energy consumed. UH ����ԴDz� completed installation of a PV array canopy over the lower campus parking structure in August 2022 that is scheduled to be fully operational by December 2022.