Large-scale solar project slated for ‘Big Island’ of Hawaii

Paniolo Power Company, a subsidiary of Parker Ranch, and Innergex Renewable Energy are developing a 30-MW solar project on the main island of Hawaii.

The Hale Kuawehi Solar Project will be one of the first utility-scale solar farms on the Big Island, reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels and advancing the state-wide goal to produce 100% of our electricity from renewable energy sources by 2045. The solar + storage facility will be composed of 30 MWAC of photovoltaic panels on single-axis trackers plus 120 MWh of battery energy storage across approximately 300-acres, located near Parker Ranch’s industrial park, off of Mamalahoa Highway.

The Public Utilities Commission approved the 25-year power purchase agreement with Innergex in 2019 to deliver electricity to Hawaiian Electric. The project will also generate nearly 20% of Hawaii’s baseload electricity requirements.

The Hale Kuawehi project will break ground in early 2022 with a commercial operation date slated for the end of the year. The project will provide multiple layers of benefits to the community and inflows through tax revenues for reinvestment in the Island and job creation. Innergex is currently developing its community benefits package and conducting outreach to local non-profit organizations.

“We are pleased to be working with Innergex to bring more renewable energy online for the island and the state. This project aligns with our mission to support our Beneficiaries and improve the quality of life in our community,” said Dutch Kuyper, president and CEO of Parker Ranch. “We look forward to sharing plans on additional renewable energy and sustainability initiatives that will further reduce fossil fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, helping to address the threats of climate change.”

News item from Parker Ranch

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Original Source: https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2021/12/large-scale-solar-project-slated-for-big-island-of-hawaii/