Clearway to construct solar and storage projects in Hawai‘i

“Our ongoing focus on renewable energy in the State of Hawai‘i is key to rebuilding our local economy and improving energy reliability for a more resilient future,” said Gov. David Ige. “Thanks to Clearway and our partners, we can celebrate this major milestone together as we take another step toward our goal of 100% renewable energy by 2045.”

“Hawai’i has long led the nation on climate solutions, and we’re honoured to continue contributing to that mission with two new renewable energy sites in the state,” said Craig Cornelius, CEO of Clearway. “The addition of solar paired with storage on O’ahu is an important step toward a clean, affordable, and reliable electric grid. We thank Hawaiian Electric, Kamehameha Schools, and many others for their ongoing partnership to advance innovative energy projects and move Hawai‘i toward a carbon-free economy.”

The two projects represent a US$280 million investment and will create more than 460 local union jobs during construction. Once complete, the sites are expected to contribute more than US$10 million in taxes to the city and county.

This is Clearway’s second set of renewable projects in Hawai‘i. In 2019, the company completed construction and commissioning of three utility-scale solar projects: a 45.9 MW site in Waipi‘o and a 14.7 MW site in Mililani, both in central O‘ahu, and a 49 MW site in Kawailoa on O‘ahu’s North Shore. Once Mililani I Solar and Waiawa Solar Power are complete, Clearway’s five solar projects totalling 185 MW will serve Hawaiian Electric’s grid and generate enough electricity to power more than 45 500 O‘ahu homes each year.

“Clearway has been an excellent partner to Hawaiian Electric in our drive to reach our clean energy goals and their three projects in operation helped us achieve a renewable portfolio standard of 35% in 2020,” said Scott Seu, Hawaiian Electric president and CEO. “Additional large projects with storage like these will help us continue to decarbonise our energy system by reducing our dependence on imported fossil fuels.”

Kamehameha Schools’ lands are home to renewable energy projects that produce more than 100 MW of clean energy statewide. Clearway’s project is one of two utility-scale solar projects that Kamehameha Schools is planning within the ahupua‘a of Waiawa and, with Kawailoa Solar, the second developed by Clearway on ‘?ina Pauahi.

“Kamehameha Schools stewards its lands for resilience and abundance with a focus on reducing Hawai?i’s dependence on fossil fuels, creating a renewable energy industry in Hawai‘i, and bringing ?aina-based learning and leadership pathways to our community as part of our mission to improve the well-being of the Native Hawaiian people,” said Ka‘eo Duarte, Kamehameha Schools’ Vice President for Community & ‘?ina Resiliency. “We extend our mahalo to Clearway for being a valued partner on this journey toward a clean, sustainable future.”

Once complete, the Waiawa project will contribute US$200 000 in community benefits in the coming years, including an educational partnership with Blue Planet Foundation to develop school curriculums on renewable energy, as well as an annual mainland internship programme with Kamehameha Schools students.

The construction of Mililani I Solar and Waiawa Solar Power is being led by Moss and is expected to be complete in 2022.

“We’re looking forward to partnering with this same great team once again,” Edwin Perkins, president of Moss Solar. “It is rewarding to see the fruition of our efforts to help Hawai‘i reach its 100% renewable energy goal.”

In December, Clearway announced a joint equity transaction for a 1.6 GW portfolio that includes Mililani I Solar and Waiawa Solar Power.

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