On November 5, 2024, the 15th Hawaii-Okinawa Task Force Meeting was held at Yashio-so, the Okinawa Prefectural Teachers' Mutual Aid Association. This meeting, based on the Memorandum of Understanding on Clean Energy Cooperation signed between Okinawa Prefecture and the State of Hawaii in May 2021, aims to share information on renewable energy, energy conservation, clean transportation, energy policy, and local production for local consumption, and to promote the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals). It is held annually.
The meeting was attended by Okinawa Governor Denny Tamaki, C. Saloni and S. Satyapal from the U.S. Department of Energy, and Akihiro Matsuda from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. Participating organization included local companies such as Okidan, Ryuseki, Hawaiian Electric Industries, and the University of Hawaii, engaged in lively discussions and technical exchanges.
The meeting included reports on the current status of clean energy strategies at the national and regional levels, introductions of corporate initiatives aimed at achieving SDGs and energy goals, and presentations on specific practical projects, with exchanges of opinions from the perspective of practitioners.
Topics covered Hawaii's goal of achieving 100% clean energy by 2045, practical initiatives using microgrid power supply systems with solar power, or issues around unique challenges of energy management rules in island regions were shared, and they provided opportunities for both sides to gain many insights.
Keynote Speeches and Introduction of Open Center for Energy by OIST Researchers
From OIST, Professor Mahesh Bandi (Nonlinear and Non-equilibrium Physics Unit) gave a keynote speech on "Enhancing and Digitizing Renewable Energy Facilities," and Associate Professor Paola Laurino (Protein Engineering and Evolution Unit) introduced the "OIST Open Center for Energy". Professor Bandi highlighted new possibilities through the integration of digital technology and efficiency improvements in renewable energy facilities, while Associate Professor Laurino introduced the concept of the OIST Open center for Energy aimed at promoting bold and innovative solutions for generation, storage, transport and use of energy.
Future Initiatives and Expectations
On November 6, the day after the meeting, the Hawaii delegation visited OIST and toured the campus. OIST Provost and Professor Amy Shen provided an OIST overview, and there were active exchanges of opinions on the advanced research environment and the potential for collaboration through OIST Energy research hub, which will be fully operational in the future. Further deepening of international collaboration is expected.
Professor Shen expressed her expectations as follows: "By collaboratively addressing the unique energy challenges faced by island regions, we are advancing towards a sustainable society. At OIST, we are committed to expanding research and development in renewable energy technologies, energy storage solutions, and smart grid systems. Through strengthened partnerships among industry, government, academia, and local communities, we aim to implement innovative energy solutions that benefit both Okinawa and the broader global society.
