New solar + battery storage project completes first stage of renewable energy projects on 3 island grids

New solar + battery storage project completes first stage of renewable energy projects on 3 island grids

Seven projects add 260 megawatts of clean power

Release Date: 7/22/2025

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HONOLULU, July 22, 2025 - The new Hoohana Solar project started commercial operations on July 11, 2025, marking the completion of the first stage of grid-scale renewable energy systems brought online through a competitive bidding process initiated by Hawaiian Electric in 2018. Collectively, these seven projects added 260 megawatts of renewable energy and 1,038 megawatt-hours of energy storage.

"Even as national energy priorities shift, Hawaii remains committed to renewable energy because it makes sense for our state and for our customers and this marks a significant milestone. We all want to see that momentum continue to protect our environment, enhance resilience, and make energy more affordable," said Rebecca Dayhuff Matsushima, Hawaiian Electric vice president of resource procurement.

Hoohana Solar, a 52 MW solar project with a 208 MWh battery energy storage system, is located in Kunia, Oahu and was developed by 174 Power Global. It is among the seven Stage 1 projects, which are:

• Oahu
  • AES West Oahu Solar: 12.5 MW solar, 50 MWh battery storage
  • Mililani 1 Solar: 39 MW solar, 156 MWh battery storage
  • Waiawa Solar Power: 36 MW solar, 144 MWh battery storage
  • Hoohana Solar: 52 MW solar, 208 MWh battery storage
• Maui
  • AES Kuihelani: 60 MW solar, 240 MWh battery storage
• Hawaii
  • AES Waikoloa Solar: 30 MW solar, 120 MWh battery storage
  • Hale Kuawehi: 30 MW solar, 120 MWh battery storage

The procurement for this first stage of projects started in 2018 but there were construction delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic and global supply chain issues. Hawaiian Electric initiated a second stage of project procurements in 2019 and a third stage in 2022.

To date, Hawaiian Electric has reached 36% renewable energy across Oahu, Maui County and Hawaii Island and reduced its use of oil for power generation by 57 million gallons annually.