The plan for the Hawaiian Electric Companies' largest-ever renewable energy push may now be viewed online at www.hawaiianelectric.com/competitivebidding.
With the successful acquisition of a variety of clean energy technologies over the next five years, this ambitious effort will enable the companies to continue providing reliable service after the closure of the largest fossil fuel plant on Oahu and the retirement of Maui's oldest oil-fired plant.
Upon approval by the Public Utilities Commission, expected this summer, this second phase of renewable energy procurement will be opened to bids from developers locally and globally. Pending approval, the first projects would come online in 2022.
Estimated targets of new renewable generation of various technologies are the equivalent of 594 megawatts (MW) of solar for Oahu; 135 MW for Maui and 32 to 203 MW for Hawaii Island, depending on whether other renewable energy projects become available. Proposals for Molokai and Lanai will be sought later this summer.
For Hawaii Island, additional renewable generation is sought even assuming the Puna Geothermal Venture plant returns to service and the Hu Honua biomass plant comes online as planned.
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