AES Marks the Retirement of Hawai‘i Power Plant While Expanding with Renewable Energy Projects Statewide
HONOLULU – August 18, 2022 – The AES Corporation (NYSE: AES) today held a special ceremony to recognize the retirement of its power plant at Barbers Point and to thank the employees for their excellence in providing O‘ahu with safe, reliable and low-cost energy for the past 30 years.
AES’ coal-fueled power plant opened on September 1, 1992 and will cease energy production on its 30th anniversary date of September 1, 2022, when its power purchase agreement with Hawaiian Electric concludes. A state law enacted in 2020 prohibits the production of energy using coal after December 31, 2022, as part of Hawai‘i’s conversion to having 100% renewable energy on every island grid by 2045.
Governor David Ige expressed gratitude for the power plant’s vital role in fulfilling Hawai‘i’s energy needs, while acknowledging the transition the state is undertaking with more electrical power being provided by renewable sources, including from AES projects.
“We are all grateful to AES Hawai‘i and its plant employees for reliably providing electricity to homes and businesses on O‘ahu for the past 30 years,” said Governor Ige. “As we transition our economy away from fossil fuels, I am pleased that AES is committed to being a leader in helping Hawai‘i to successfully progress to our 100% renewable energy goals by 2045.”
During its 30 years of operation, AES’ power plant has produced up to 20% of O‘ahu’s energy to power homes and businesses at the low cost of 12-cents per kilowatt hour. The energy provided by the plant has resulted in savings for O‘ahu of up to $4 billion in total energy costs over that period.
The power plant has consistently ranked among the nation’s top performing plants of comparable size and fuel source, based on its consistent availability and reliability and readiness to provide the power needed under its contract by Hawaiian Electric.
Bernerd Da Santos, AES Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, credited the power plant’s employees for its operational excellence in supporting Hawai‘i’s energy needs. “Our team at AES’ power facility in Hawai’i has been the driving force behind the plant’s invaluable role in the grid, dedicating themselves to delivering safe, reliable and affordable energy to the people of O‘ahu day in and day out for 30 years,” said Da Santos.
“Our team’s steadfast commitment to operating the power plant safely and at the highest industry standards has contributed greatly to O‘ahu’s social and economic development over these past three decades,” said Da Santos. “We thank them for their dedication.”
As AES completes the process of shutting down the power plant, its 40-plus employees are being shifted to new positions at other AES facilities or provided with career relocation services, while some longtime employees are choosing to retire.
In support of the state’s 100% renewable energy goal of 2045, AES is accelerating its commitment to Hawai‘i’s greener energy future with nine renewable projects currently in operation or under development across all four island counties. AES has more projects under development than any other renewable energy developer in the state.
Leading the effort forward in Hawai‘i is Sandra Larsen, AES Market Business Leader for Hawai‘i. “We are proud to be a renewable energy leader in Hawai‘i and fully dedicated to supporting the state’s vision to realize a more sustainable energy future that benefits everyone,” said Larsen. “The smarter, greener energy solutions that AES is implementing are essential to mitigating the effects of climate change and improving the future lives for our families and children statewide.”
The projects AES currently has in operation or under development will collectively provide more than 300 MW of renewable energy, enough to power 120,000 homes statewide. This renewable energy production will eliminate more than 175,000 metric tons of carbon emissions and more than 15 million barrels of oil consumption over the course of the projects’ lifecycles.
About AES
The AES Corporation (NYSE: AES) is a Fortune 500 global power company. We provide affordable, sustainable energy to 14 countries through our diverse portfolio of distribution businesses as well as thermal and renewable generation facilities. Our workforce is committed to operational excellence and meeting the world’s changing power needs. Our 2021 revenues were $11 billion, and we own and manage $33 billion in total assets. For more information about AES in Hawai‘i, please visit www.aes.com/hawaii.
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