Hawaiian Electric is seeking regulatory approval to purchase power from a renewable energy project that would add 20 megawatts of solar generation and 80 megawatt-hours of battery energy storage to Maui's electric grid, helping advance Hawaii's clean energy goals while supporting reliable electric service.
Hawaiian Electric filed an application with the Public Utilities Commission for a 20-year, fixed-price power purchase agreement (PPA) with Pulehu Solar, which is expected to produce enough clean energy annually to power the equivalent of nearly 10,000 Maui households.
"Pulehu Solar would add another source of locally produced renewable energy to Maui's grid while helping reduce exposure to the volatility of imported fuel prices," said Brendan Bailey, Hawaiian Electric vice president of resource procurement. "We look forward to the commission's review of this proposed agreement and appreciate the extensive engagement that has helped shape the project."
The project was selected through Hawaiian Electric's competitive renewable energy procurement process and includes both solar generation and a battery capable of storing solar energy for use during evening hours when demand for electricity is typically higher. The project is located on Haleakala Ranch land three miles makai of Kula on the west side of Pulehu Road.
Community engagement has been a significant part of the project's development. Project representatives have conducted outreach since 2017 with nearby residents, community organizations, cultural practitioners, businesses, elected officials and other stakeholders. Discussions have included project design, wildfire mitigation, visual impacts, cultural resources and potential community benefits.
Based on community feedback, the project developer modified the project design, including relocating the battery energy storage system and substation farther from nearby residences, increasing wildfire protection measures, widening firebreaks, adding landscaping and vegetative screening, lowering the placement of solar arrays and modifying the layout to avoid identified cultural resources.
The PUC will review the proposed power purchase agreement and determine if the project is in the public interest and provides value to Maui customers. If approved, the project would proceed through final permitting, financing and construction activities before beginning commercial operation.
The proposed contract uses Hawaiian Electric's Renewable Dispatchable Generation structure, which differs from earlier renewable energy agreements that compensated projects primarily for energy production. Under the RDG model, Hawaiian Electric can direct when energy is stored and dispatched from the project's battery system, providing greater flexibility to meet customer demand and support grid reliability while increasing the use of renewable energy.
