The Hawaii Natural Energy Institute (HNEI) conducts research of national importance to develop, test and evaluate novel renewable energy technologies. ARL at UH leverages HNEI’s work to demonstrate real-world operations and enable integration of emerging technologies into the energy mix in support of Navy facilities and objectives.
HNEI was established in 1974 to coordinate and undertake the development of natural energy sources for Hawaii. In 2005, HNEI developed a strategic plan that called for HNEI to be the UH and State focal point for multidisciplinary research and education on the energy supply for Hawaii, including renewable energy support for DoD installations around the Hawaiian Islands.
HNEI is a recognized independent evaluator of renewable energy technologies, providing trustworthy and practical information to support the safe, reliable, and economically viable development of renewable energy technologies and systems.