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June 12, 2025
Ameresco Celebrates the Completion Solar Canopy Project with the City of Pendleton, Oregon
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Hawaii is renowned not only for its idyllic landscapes but also for its forward-thinking energy initiatives. The state has made significant strides in enhancing the stability and cost-efficiency of its power supply, emphasizing the importance of energy security and resilience. The commitment to these principles, coupled with the integration of renewable energy sources, positions Hawaii as a model for sustainable energy development.
This approach ensures that the power needs of the island are met in a reliable and economically viable manner, benefiting the community and setting a standard for others to follow. Improving energy security across the region is a top concern, including the ability to manage critical grid outages and facility shutdowns. Hawaii is also subject to the most expensive electricity prices in the U.S., which is greatly impacted by the volatility of fossil fuels.
Given the circumstances and Hawaii’s commitment to have 100% renewable energy and carbon neutrality by 2045, the state is well-positioned to implement energy reliability and resiliency solutions to protect its infrastructure and maintain the safety and security of its communities. Hawaii can serve as an example of what is possible for the rest of the country and, indeed, much of the world.
How do we accomplish these goals to address the transition to low-carbon technologies while maintaining a reliable, resilient energy supply? Part of the answer lies in deploying a mix of intermittent and firm energy sources. Although solar and wind power are clean and green, their dependency on variable weather conditions renders them intermittent sources that can’t guarantee a constant supply throughout the entire day or year. Thus, they must be coupled with firm sources such as biofuels, geothermal energy and energy storage systems to increase their reliability.
Several initiatives are underway across Hawaii to implement a plan that merges intermittent and firm energy sources. In O’ahu, one such addition to the clean energy landscape is the Kūpono Solar project, a collaboration between HECO, the U.S. Navy and Ameresco. Located at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam’s Navy West Loch Annex, Kūpono Solar utilizes solar and battery energy storage technology designed to stabilize energy costs, reduce fossil fuel usage and advance Hawaii’s goal of achieving 100% clean energy. This ensures these critical clean energy resources are available and that grid outages and facility shutdowns are mitigated. Kūpono Solar accomplishes the Navy’s goal—delivering a robust and comprehensive energy solution that’s made to withstand severe weather—while providing clean energy to local residents.
Other clean energy projects in Hawaii include Puna Geothermal Venture (PGV), a geothermal energy conversation plant located in Puna on Hawaii Island. This plant generates electricity using steam from underground wells, which is then sold to HECO for the utility to distribute to its customers. However, this project has been impacted by one of Hawaii’s natural phenomena—the eruption of the Kilauea volcano—surrounding the facility with lava.
And on O’ahu’s North Shore, the Nā Pua Makani wind energy project harnesses the area’s well-known strong winds for renewable energy. With eight wind turbines, the Nā Pua Makani project can generate 24 megawatts of power and save up to 70,000 tons of carbon dioxide per year.
Aside from the technology itself, the journey to net zero emissions will rely on collaboration on all fronts to achieve decarbonization goals. This critical collaboration can come via corporate partnership, public-private collaboration and community outreach. Kūpono Solar, for example, required buy-in from state and local leadership, senior Naval leadership, the local utility and local environmental associations and advocacy groups—a diverse array of stakeholders with their own sets of needs, requirements and visions for the future of their community.
Hawaii’s proactive stance in adopting clean, renewable energy solutions is a testament to its commitment to resiliency and security. By focusing on enabling stable and cost-effective power for the island, Hawaii sets a valuable example for other regions seeking to decarbonize and strengthen their energy resilience. The state’s strategy underscores the importance of developing a robust energy infrastructure that not only supports long-term energy security but also promotes community well-being.
# Originally published on Forbes.com via Forbes Technology Council. #
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