The state of Hawaii instituted a mandate that 30 percent of electricity generation must come from renewable sources as of 2020. But the state s utilities have already exceeded that figure as they move toward a completely clean energy system.
Hawaiian Electric, the state s largest utility, reported this month that its 2020 generation mix reached 34.5 percent renewable across Oahu, Hawaii Island and Maui. Renewable production rose 13 percent from 2019.
That growth coincided with lower demand stemming from the coronavirus pandemic, which meant the denominator of the market-share fraction was smaller than normal. But even if consumption patterns had been the same as during pre-pandemic times, the utility would have beaten the target with 32 percent renewable electricity, the company said.
Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative to Develop Solar + Pumped Storage Hydro Project
On 7 January 2021, Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative (KIUC) signed agreements with The AES Corporation (AES) for the development, construction, and operation of the KIUC’s solar pumped storage hydro project (the “West Kaua‘i Energy Project” (WKEP)). A power purchase agreement was also executed and filed with the Hawai‘i Public Utilities Commission on 31 December 2020.
WKEP will integrate pumped storage hydropower with large-scale solar power, a unique combination in the renewable energy sector. KIUC believes that the pumped hydropower will provide 12 hours of energy storage daily, compared with four to five hours of storage available from existing solar-plus-battery facilities. The long duration storage provided by the pumped-hydro component is expected to enable KIUC to generate 100 percent renewable energy for prolonged periods without sunlight. It also is expected to provide additiona
KAUA‘I ISLAND UTILITY COOPERATIVE TO DEVELOP SOLAR + PUMPED STORAGE HYDRO PROJECT
On 7 January 2021, Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative (KIUC) signed agreements with The AES Corporation (AES) for the development, construction, and operation of the KIUC’s solar pumped storage hydro project (the “West Kaua‘i Energy Project” (WKEP)). A power purchase agreement was also executed and filed with the Hawai‘i Public Utilities Commission on 31 December 2020.
WKEP will integrate pumped storage hydropower with large-scale solar power, a unique combination in the renewable energy sector. KIUC believes that the pumped hydropower will provide 12 hours of energy storage daily, compared with four to five hours of storage available from existing solar-plus-battery facilities. The long duration storage provided by the pumped-hydro component is expected to enable KIUC to generate 100 percent renewable energy for prolonged periods without sunlight. It also is expected to provide additio
Hawaii Lawmakers May Cut Solar Credits - Honolulu Civil Beat
The credits help to develop renewable energy projects but also cost the state millions of dollars. Reading time: 2 minutes.
As state lawmakers search for savings in the budget, Hawaii’s photovoltaic companies and solar operators are hoping tax credits for some renewable energy projects are left untouched.
“Keeping certainty on tax credits and state policy around credits is really essential,” David Bissell, CEO of the Kauai Island Utility Cooperative, said during a legislative energy briefing Friday.
Leaders in Hawaii’s energy sector are hoping lawmakers don’t yank solar credits that have been key to developing renewable energy projects. Nathan Eagle/Civil Beat