AES conducts site tour and informational briefing of Waikoloa Solar + Storage Project that begins full operations in April 2023
WAIKOLOA, HI – August 19, 2022 – The AES Corporation (NYSE: AES) today provided an update on the Waikoloa Solar + Storage project that is scheduled to begin full operations producing power for homes and businesses on Hawai‘i Island in April 2023.
Located along Waikoloa Road on a 300-acre parcel about 7.5 miles from the Queen Ka‘ahumanu Highway, the Waikoloa project will generate 42.2 MWdc of renewable energy supported by a 120 MWh containerized lithium-ion battery energy storage system. When fully operating, the facility will produce enough electricity to power 13,600 Hawai‘i Island homes at a cost to consumers of 9 cents per kWh through a 25-year power purchase agreement with Hawaiian Electric.
AES Clean Energy President Leo Moreno led a site tour and informational briefing for key lawmakers, policymakers and stakeholders about the project’s status, which is approximately 60% complete, while emphasizing the need to have more renewable energy sources.
“We must replace fossil fuels in Hawai’i and the planet, and this transformation needs to begin happening now,” said Moreno. “Our Waikoloa project is an example of how, together with our stakeholders, we are co-creating solutions for a more sustainable energy future for Hawai‘i Island and its people.”
Site tour participants included Senator Glenn Wakai and Representative Nicole Lowen, the respective senate and house committee chairs overseeing energy in the state legislature, and Representative David Tarnas, who oversees the water and land committee in the house. Other participants included Public Utilities Commission Chair Leo Asuncion and representatives from Hawaiian Electric, the utility provider, and BayWa r.e., the project contractor.
Also at the site tour and briefing were AES Clean Energy Chief Development Officer Woody Rubin and Sandra Larsen, AES Market Business Leader for Hawai‘i, who presented on the project’s long term value to the island’s environment, economy and the community.
“Our Waikoloa project is the type of smarter, greener solution needed to make electricity usage more affordable for families on Hawai‘i Island, while also helping to mitigate the effects of climate change,” said Larsen. “This and other clean energy projects are essential to protecting the futures of our children and generations to come, both here on Hawai‘i Island and everywhere else.”
About AES
The AES Corporation (NYSE: AES) is a Fortune 500 global energy company accelerating the future of energy. Together with our many stakeholders, we're improving lives by delivering the greener, smarter energy solutions the world needs. Our diverse workforce is committed to continuous innovation and operational excellence, while partnering with our customers on their strategic energy transitions and continuing to meet their energy needs today. For more information, visit www.aes.com.
In support of Hawai‘i’s 100% renewable energy goal of 2045, AES is accelerating its commitment to a greener energy future with nine renewable projects currently in operation or under development in the state, more than any other renewable energy developer. These projects will collectively provide more than 300 MW of renewable energy, enough to power 120,000 homes statewide, while eliminating more than 175,000 metric tons of carbon emissions and more than 15 million barrels of oil consumption over the course of their lifecycles. For information about AES in Hawai‘i, please visit www.aes.com/hawaii.
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Media Contact:
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PHOTOS & VIDEO COURTESY: AES
PHOTOS: https://f.io/71f46fM_
SOUND BITES (in this order, starting at 2:58):
(2:58) Leo Moreno, President, AES Clean Energy
(3:15) Senator Glenn Wakai, Chair, Senate Committee on Energy, Economic Development,
and Tourism
(3:42) Representative Nicole Lowen, Chair, House Committee on Energy and Environmental
Protection
(4:02) Representative David Tarnas, Chair, House Committee on Water and Land
(4:27) Leo Asuncion, Chair, Public Utilities Commission