Home / Environment / Hawaii Turns Trash Nets Into Power
Hawaii Turns Trash Nets Into Power
29 Oct
Summary
- Discarded fishing nets are converted into electricity for homes.
- Over 832 tons of nets generated power for over 300 homes.
- The program combats marine debris damaging reefs and wildlife.
Since 2002, Hawaii has been converting abandoned fishing nets into electricity. The Hawaii Nets to Energy Program collects discarded nets, processing them for combustion at Honolulu's H-Power waste-to-energy facility. This initiative has utilized 832 tons of nets, generating enough electricity to power over 300 homes for a year.
The program significantly aids in reducing marine debris that harms coral reefs and endangers wildlife. Abandoned nets, often originating from distant fisheries, accumulate around Hawaiian shorelines and reefs, posing a threat. They can entangle coral structures and trap marine animals, leading to injury or death.
Collected nets are transported to a recycling facility where they are processed for combustion. The resulting steam drives turbines, producing electricity for Oahu. This collaborative effort involves fishermen, removal groups, processing facilities, and the H-Power plant, showcasing a comprehensive approach to waste management and energy generation.
Beyond energy production, the initiative supports broader marine conservation. NOAA Fisheries has removed 848 metric tons of derelict gear from the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands since 1996. The Nets to Energy Program is a key part of these efforts, transforming marine debris into a valuable resource.
