Puʻuloa Solar

We Believe

The Project is rooted in its intent and relationship with the community.

Puʻuloa

Located in a mixed-use area of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH), the proposed project would deliver 6 megawatts (MW) of solar photovoltaic and 6 MW / 30 megawatt hours (MWH) of energy storage to provide solar after sunset and more clean, renewable energy to Hawaiian Electric Company’s Oʻahu grid. 

The Project will be connected to Hawaiian Electric’s 46kV feeders located near the Project site. Due to National security, the on-site electrical interconnection route will not be made public.

Project Benefits

The Project will provide clean, renewable energy and help stabilize energy costs, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and provide a pathway to increased energy independence.

Renewable electricity generated by this Project will replace energy generated by burning fossil fuel, thereby reducing emissions and greenhouse gases. The batteries will respond to the variability of solar generation, filling in the gaps to enhance reliability.

The Project can provide renewable energy day or night, help stabilize energy fuel costs and provide a pathway to increased energy independence.

The Project aligns with numerous critical goals and mandates in Hawaiʻi, including:

  • The state’s energy goal of 100% renewable electricity by 2045.
  • The state’s carbon-neutral goal by 2045.

Benefiting The Wider Community

Economic Boost

The stable cost of energy will be passed on to Oʻahu utility customers.

Solar After Sunset

Battery storage would enable renewable energy to be dispatched when needed most. 

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Employment & Community Benefits

The Project will provide local prevailing wage jobs in construction, other local Project-related jobs and apprenticeships, and ongoing operational employment, as well as maximize spending within local communities to support small and under-represented businesses.

Ameresco is committed to identifying, through stakeholder input, impactful ways to benefit the local community with support to entities such as community organizations, social service providers, and non-profits focused on environment, natural hazard mitigation, quality-of-life enhancements, homelessness, Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) education, and youth recreation. The Project is committed to providing a package of $18,000 annual benefits to the community through a local non-profit administrator throughout the life of the Project.

PROPOSED PROJECT TIMELINE

November 2022

Hawaiian Electric

Ongoing

Community Outreach and Community Benefits Program Outreach

December 2023

Project Selection by Hawaiian Electric

March 2024

Community Outreach meeting

Q4 2024

Power Purchase Agreement filed with Hawaiʻi Public Utilities Commission

Q2 2024

Environmental Studies Completed

Q4 2024

Permitting Completed

Q1 2025

Second Community Outreach Meeting

Q2 2025 - Q1 2026

Construction

Q1 2026

Commercial Operations

Q2 2026

Community Benefits Program Launch

2028 for 25 years

Community Benefits Program Annual Donation

25 years

Power Purchase Agreement Term

End of Term

Decommissioning

Community

Ameresco understands the importance of community engagement and outreach. We listen first, and then we will act — with integrity, intention, and transparency.