Hawaiian Electric has chosen Ameresco Inc. to develop a renewable energy project on Maui, with the aim of reducing the state’s dependence on imported oil for power generation. This move aligns with Hawaii’s clean energy goals and will provide a reliable source of power. Unlike variable resources like solar and wind, “firm” resources are always available.
Ameresco plans to build a 40-megawatt biofuel-powered generator on property owned by Hawaiian Electric at Waena, across from the Central Maui Landfill – Refuse and Recycling Center on Pulehu Road. This project is part of a larger initiative that includes 16 firm and variable renewable energy projects on Maui, Hawaii Island, and Oahu. Maui will also see the addition of three solar-plus-storage projects and a wind project.
Hawaiian Electric stated that it will enter contract negotiations with the selected project developers, and for the first time, these developers will be required to conduct community outreach in the areas where they plan to build. Once the contracts are finalized, they will be submitted to the Public Utilities Commission for review and approval. Details regarding pricing and impacts on bills will be disclosed to the public at that time.
For more information on the projects and to access the Renewable Project Status Board page, where you can find a list of projects and links to each project’s website, visit Hawaiian Electric’s website.
Sarah Yamanaka, a digital journalist at Spectrum News Hawaii, covers news and events. She can be contacted at sarah.yamanaka@charter.com.
