Hawaii’s largest solar energy storage facility is now operational – the pv International storage facility

June 17, 2024 Anna Fischer

From pv USA magazine

Hawaii has the highest average electricity price of any state at $0.43.93 per kWh, almost three times the U.S. average, yet this project will lower those costs for many residents. Developer AES Hawaii anticipates the Kūihelani Solar-plus-Storage facility will generate enough electricity to meet 15% of Maui’s demand at a cost of just $0.08 per kWh.

“Maui residents will soon see the benefits that Kuihelani will bring in their electric bills and the confidence that they will have reliable electricity for their homes and businesses,” said Maui Mayor Victorino.

Islands that do not meet their energy needs from renewable sources are obliged to import fossil fuels. The energy produced at this facility will offset the need to import an estimated 2 million barrels of oil.

The project, located on 450 acres in downtown Maui between Kūihelani Highway and Maui Veterans Highway, supports the state’s goal of achieving 100% renewable energy and decarbonization by 2045. AES Hawaii began construction less than two years ago and has similarly as with most large-scale solar projects, the company sought community feedback before construction began. As a result, AES Hawaii modified its plans.

“We reduced the project site size by 35%, minimizing the project’s environmental impact while maximizing the use of available land in a responsible manner,” said Sandra Larsen, AES business leader for the Hawaii market.

Hawaiian Electric is the offtaker of the electricity after signing a 25-year power purchase agreement with AES Hawaii.

According to AES Hawaii, nearly 300 jobs were created during the construction of Kūihelani Solar-plus-Storage, which generated approximately $68 million for Maui’s economy. Moreover, the area covered by the investment is also intended for agricultural use.

AES Hawaii has more than 300 MW of renewable energy under construction or operation, enough to power 120,000 homes statewide. The company estimates this is equivalent to eliminating more than 175,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions and more than 15 million barrels of oil consumption over the life of the project.