HB 2103 Summary

• Expands the Hawaii renewable hydrogen program to encompass broader focus on long duration clean energy storage technologies including pumped storage hydroelectricity, batteries, and other storage methods

• Transfers administration of the program from the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to the Hawaii State Energy Office

• Renames the "hydrogen investment special fund" to the "long duration clean energy storage investment capital special fund" and expands its use to support research, development, testing, and deployment of various energy storage technologies

• Requires engineering and economic evaluations of potential locations for long duration clean energy storage, prioritizing pumped storage hydroelectricity while minimizing impacts on cultural sites, agricultural lands, and animal habitats

• Makes an appropriation from general revenues for fiscal year 2024-2025 to support the program transfer and operations; takes effect January 1, 2060