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In the Media
The State of Hawai‘i’s Largest Solar Power Facility Launched in Central Maui
September 10, 2024

Fellows mentioned in this story: Shelee Kimura

From The Maui News:

“Located on 450 acres in central Maui, Kūihelani solar-plus-storage is producing 60 MW of renewable energy supported by a 240 MWh lithium-ion battery energy storage system, which is generating enough electricity for 27,000 homes, providing 15% of Maui’s energy needs,” a press release announcing the launch of the facility said. “The project also offsets the need to import two million barrels of oil to produce electricity.”

Kahu Kimokeo Kapahulehua of the Kimokeo Foundation in Wailuku conducted the blessing. Numerous elected officials, community leaders and partners participated in the blessing ceremony in recognition of the project’s impact on Maui’s power grid and the island’s economy. This included Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen, Maui County Council Chair Alice Lee, Maui County Councilmember Tom Cook, State Senator Lynn DeCoite, State Representative Tyson Miyake, Public Utilities Commission Chair Leodoloff Asuncion, and Hawaiian Electric President and CEO Shelee Kimura.

The Kūihelani solar-plus-storage facility began commercial operations on May 31, 2024, and has since generated more than 75,000 MW for Maui’s power grid, or an average of 841 MW on a daily basis. In addition, the project’s construction and operation have supported nearly 300 jobs and generated $68 million for Maui’s economy.

Continue reading at mauinews.com.


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