Harnessing the Sweet Power: Sugarcane as a Biofuel.

Hawaii, often considered paradise, possesses natural attributes that make it conducive not only for vacations but also for agriculture. The state's abundant sunlight, favorable temperatures, and precipitation distribution provide an exceptional natural capacity for crop production, surpassing any other location in the U.S. Historically, over 100,000 acres of Hawaii's farmland were dedicated to sugarcane, with nine major producers. Presently, only one producer remains, and sugarcane acreage has decreased to 37,000.

To rejuvenate Hawaii's sugar industry, a strategy involves diversifying products to increase earnings per acre and establish a sustainable energy source. The USDA collaborates with the University of Hawaii and the Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Company, the last remaining player in Hawaii's sugarcane industry. Their focus is on developing innovative approaches to cultivate and utilize sugarcane as a biomass source for biofuels.

Sugarcane, with its perennial and non-invasive nature, holds significant near-term potential as a biomass feedstock for biofuel production in Hawaii. Having been grown in the state for over a century, there is room for improvement in yields through the use of newer varieties and harvesting other parts of the plant. Sugarcane stands out for its ability to yield more energy per acre compared to existing crops, producing both cellulosic biomass convertible into sugars and the sugar itself.

In January, the Secretaries of Agriculture and the Navy signed an agreement to collaborate on developing new biofuels and renewable energy sources. The Navy, seeking to "green" its substantial fleet stationed in Hawaii, incurs significant costs to import fuel. With a keen interest in exploring sustainable options, the Navy aims to reduce its environmental impact. The USDA, Department of the Navy, University of Hawaii, and Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar are now working jointly on advancing this biofuel project, aligning with broader efforts towards renewable energy and environmental sustainability.