West O‘ahu solar + storage project completed by AES Hawaiʻi

AES Hawaiʻi has completed the West O‘ahu solar + storage project in Kapolei – the company’s first facility to combine solar generation and battery energy storage on O‘ahu. The launch was commemorated with a blessing ceremony at the project site and reception at the nearby University of Hawai‘i-West O‘ahu campus.

Located on 66 acres of open University of Hawai‘i land, the West O‘ahu solar + storage facility is generating 12.5 MW, supported by a 50-MWh battery energy storage system, under a 25-year power purchase agreement with Hawaiian Electric.

“This is a momentous day for AES Hawai‘i as it is our first solar and storage project on O‘ahu and one that is providing a multitude of benefits over many years that extends far beyond the low-cost, clean energy we are generating for the people of O‘ahu,” said Bernerd Da Santos, AES Executive Vice President and President, Global Renewables. “We are partnering with a premier educational institution in the University of Hawai‘i-West O‘ahu, helping to reduce Hawai‘i’s dependence on imported oil and utilizing the land to support the island’s agricultural needs.”

Governor Josh Green congratulated AES Hawai‘i on the launch of its first O‘ahu solar plus storage facility and the positive impact it will have in supporting the state’s clean energy goals while also combating the effects of climate change. “This project is one of many we welcome, as we make progress toward the Hawaiʻi Clean Energy Initiative, launched in 2008,” he said. “We will continue the good work that is underway to make our islands petroleum-independent by the year 2045. Our administration is investing in contractor training programs to build a workforce with the technical expertise to support efforts like this.”

News item from AES