With the commissioning of Kūihelani Solar-plus-Storage on Maui, the largest solar plant in Hawaii, the island takes a significant step in its transition to renewable energy. This ambitious clean energy project generates enough electricity to power 27,000 homes at a remarkably low cost of 8 cents per kilowatt hour, the cheapest in the entire state, according to a statement from AES Hawaii.
Solar energy and storage for Maui
Located on a 450-acre tract in central Maui between the Kūihelani and Maui Veterans Highways, Kūihelani Solar-plus-Storage produces 60 MW of renewable energy. This production is supported by a lithium-ion battery energy storage system with 240 MWh lithium-ion batteries, covering 15% of the island’s of 240 MWh, thus covering 15% of the island’s energy needs.
AES Hawai’i has signed a 25-year power purchase agreement with Hawaiian Electric, effective May 31. This agreement ensures the supply of renewable energy to Maui’s electric grid at a competitive cost of 8 cents per kilowatt hour. In addition, the project reduces the island’s dependence on imports of two million barrels of oil for electricity generation.
AES Hawai’i President Sandra Larsen noted that this is the company’s first large-scale solar project on Maui. According to Larsen, this project demonstrates AES Hawai’i’i’s commitment to decarbonization goals and the state’s 100 percent renewable energy goal by 2045.“Kūihelani Solar-plus-Storage represents what we can achieve when we combine an exceptional renewable energy project with community-focused partners to provide an essential service in Hawai’i,” Larsen said.
Community support boosts the largest solar plant in Hawaii project
Construction of the project began in July 2022 the project is now producing much-needed clean energy for the Maui grid. Larsen also highlighted the support received from partners in Maui County, Hawaiian Electric and the community at large throughout the development and construction process.
Colton Ching, Hawaiian Electric’s senior vice president of Planning and Technology, commented that this project is a crucial step toward the state’s renewable energy goals. Adding renewable energy and energy storage will reduce the use of fossil fuels, will protect against climate change, ensure reliable service and provide energy security for Maui.
In collaboration with Ho’oulu ‘Āina Farms in Waikapu, AES Hawai’i is also using the project site for sheep grazing, supporting Maui’s agricultural and food production needs. The construction and operation of Kūihelani Solar-plus-Storage have generated nearly 300 jobs and approximately $68 million for the Maui economy.
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Source and photo: mauinews
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