- AES Corporation has launched Kuihelani Solar-plus-Storage, Hawaii’s largest solar facility, on 450 acres in central Maui.
- Kuihelani generates 60 MW of renewable energy and includes a 240 MWh battery system, supplying 15% of Maui’s energy needs.
- AES Hawaii has a 25-year agreement to provide energy at 8 cents per kilowatt-hour, reducing the island’s reliance on two million barrels of oil.
As Hawaiian Electric announced on Monday, AES Corporation has launched the Kuihelani Solar-plus-Storage facility, now the largest solar project in Hawaii.
AES built Kuihelani on 450 acres in central Maui. The facility generates 60 MW of renewable energy and a 240 MWh lithium-ion battery storage system. It provides about 15% of Maui’s energy needs, significantly advancing Hawaii’s renewable energy sector.
Under a 25-year power purchase agreement starting May 31, 2024, AES Hawaii supplies renewable energy to Maui’s power grid at 8 cents per kilowatt-hour. This contract aims to deliver stable and affordable energy to the island.
Kuihelani’s operations will eliminate the need to import two million barrels of oil, reducing the environmental impact of electricity generation on Maui.
In April, Hawaiian Electric prepared for potential rolling blackouts due to reduced wind and solar output and the temporary loss of several large generators. The new solar facility will enhance Maui’s energy resilience and stabilise the power supply.
AES Corporation and Hawaiian Electric, through Kuihelani, are advancing Hawaii’s renewable energy goals. This project increases the share of renewable energy in Maui’s power mix and supports efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and dependency on fossil fuels across the state.