Hilo, HI – The Hale Kuawehi Solar and Battery Storage Project, developed by Innergex Renewable Energy, Inc. (Innergex), has begun commercial operations and is now producing up to 30 megawatts of renewable energy for the Hawaii Island grid. The project, located in Waimea, is the second solar plus battery storage project on the island and is supported by a 120 megawatt-hour battery energy storage system.

The Hale Kuawehi project is situated on a 300-acre parcel about a half-mile north of the Hawaii Belt Road and Old Saddle Road intersection. It can produce enough energy to power about 13,500 homes and is expected to increase the percentage of renewable energy on Hawaii Island’s electricity grid.

Colton Ching, Hawaiian Electric’s Senior Vice President, Planning & Technology, stated, “This project has multiple benefits for our customers on Hawaii Island. It supplies clean, renewable energy, strengthens the grid, and stabilizes electricity costs. With battery storage and advanced controls, the project will improve the reliability of the system by providing energy when it is needed.”

Michel Letellier, President and Chief Executive Officer of Innergex, added, “The commercial operation of the Hale Kuawehi solar and battery storage facility reflects the hard work of our teams and partners and Innergex’s continued commitment to providing sustainable and innovative energy solutions. By combining solar energy with advanced storage technology, we are helping Hawaii transition to a resilient and carbon-free electric system.”

Under a 25-year power purchase agreement, Innergex will sell energy to Hawaiian Electric at a fixed cost that is not tied to volatile fossil fuel prices. The project is also offsetting the need to import 1.6 million barrels of oil to produce electricity.

Hawaii Island has been a national leader in the use of renewables for over 25 years, with a diverse portfolio of resources, including grid-scale solar, private rooftop solar, wind, hydroelectric, and geothermal. Last year, nearly 59% of the island’s electricity was generated by renewables. With the addition of Hale Kuawehi and future projects from Hawaiian Electric’s ongoing efforts to procure a variety of renewable energy resources, this percentage is expected to increase.