Facility Executive – Hawaii Energy Project Supports Clean Energy, Resilience Goals

To add critical grid reliability to Hawaii and move the island closer to its clean energy goals, Hawaiian Electric Company will build a 40-megawatt (MW) renewable energy site in Maui. Dubbed ‘Ūkiu Energy, the innovative facility will support the state’s commitment to achieving 100% renewable electricity and carbon neutrality by 2045.

The facility will be built by Massachusetts-based Ameresco, Inc. and include a biofuel-powered generator with six dual-fuel engines. It will offer firm renewable energy and provide a highly flexible capacity resource. The facility will also maintain power quality, enhance grid reliability, and allow for the additional integration of intermittent renewable resources.

In the event of a power outage, it will have the ability to be brought online, in black start mode, to help repower the grid. Additionally, the fast, flexible engines will enable the current fossil fuel generators to turn down their idling engines, supporting decarbonization efforts.

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