Ameresco and Bright Canyon Energy have hosted a ground breaking and blessing ceremony for a 42MW solar and battery project on Hawai’i.
The combined solar and battery storage system will be built at the Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam West Loch Annex.
Construction of the Kūpono Solar Project is expected to be completed in early 2024.
Attendees at the event heard from US Senator Mazie Hirono, Lt Governor Josh Green, and Meredith Berger, Assistant Secretary of the US Navy for Energy, Installations, and Environment.
The Kūpono Solar Project will feature the installation of a 42MW photovoltaic solar array and a 42MW/168 megawatt hour battery storage system.
The batteries are designed to store solar energy beyond sunset hours.
“Today, we are taking significant strides to strengthen our state’s energy security and resilience, and thanks to the ‘Ewa community, Navy, Hawaiian Electric, Ameresco and Bright Canyon Energy, we are now steps closer to reaching Hawaii’s renewable energy vision of achieving 100% clean energy by 2045,” said Green.
“Kūpono Solar is a landmark initiative for us that will not only benefit our state’s economy but will also bolster our sustainability efforts and local communities through stable, affordable energy, innovative technology and job creation.”
Ameresco and Bright Canyon Energy established a joint venture in 2021 known as Kūpono Solar Development Company to advance the Kūpono Solar Project, which is the first project of the joint venture.
Kūpono Solar will own and operate this solar and battery project under a 20-year power purchase agreement with Hawaiian Electric.