Hamakua Energy Firm Renewable Energy Project
Hamakua Energy is planning to transform its existing 60 megawatt combined cycle plant to operate on 100% renewable fuel. This project is targeted to begin supplying electric power for Hawaiian Electric’s grid to be in operation to serve Hawaii Island beginning in late 2030.
Our plant operates on about seven acres and this footprint will not change. There are two major components of the new facility: an updated power plant and a new battery energy storage system.
Updated Power Plant
Our current facility will be upgraded and reconfigured to use 100% renewable fuels to generate electrical power. We will continue to use two powerful turbines that are aeroderivative engines, capable of generating a total of 60 megawatts of electricity for Hawaii Island. The power plant will also have a steam turbine that will make the operation even more energy efficient by using steam for operations.
The power plant will be located on our current property. A special use permit was granted to Hamakua Energy by the County of Hawaii in 1996 to construct and operate a combined cycle plant on land zoned for agriculture.
The plant will be capable of using different types of renewable fuels on site to provide greater flexibility and enhanced energy security to meet our island’s energy needs.
New Battery Energy Storage System
In addition to the power plant, the Hamakua Energy Firm Renewable Energy Project will feature a battery energy storage system that can store as much as 30 megawatts hours of energy to meet the island’s electrical needs during peak demand periods.
Interconnection Route
The existing Haina substation will be the interconnection point for the Hamakua Energy Firm Renewable Project.