PROPOSED ENERGY PROJECTS
In 2015, Hawai‘i enacted a law that requires electric utility companies to sell only renewable energy to their customers by 2045 (Act 97) — the first such mandate in the United States.
PROPOSED PROJECTS
PROJECTS PROPOSED FOR DEVELOPMENT AND IN DEVELOPMENT (BY ISLAND AND ESTIMATED COMPLETION DATE)
Project information will be updated as information becomes publicly available.
| Project Name | Location | Developer | Capacity (Megawatts, Megawatt-hours) | Project Status | Estimated Completion Date | Zip Code | Tax Map Key(s) | PPA Price ($/kWh) | PUC Docket | Information Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| O‘ahu | ||||||||||
| Ho‘ohana Solar 1 | Kunia | 174 Power Global, Hanwha Energy USA | 52 MW + 208 MWh Storage | PUC Approved; Constructing and Permitting | May 2025 | 96797 | (1)9-4-002:052 | 0.098858 | 2018-0431 | Ho‘ohana Solar 1 |
| Waiawa Phase 2 Solar | Pearl City, Waipio Village | AES | 30 MW + 240 MWh Storage | PUC Approved; Permitting | October 2025 | 96797 | (1)9-6-004:024 (1)9-6-004:025 (1)9-6-004:026 (1)9-6-006:036 | 0.124197 | 2020-0137 | Waiawa Phase 2 Solar |
| Pu‘uloa Solar | Pearl Harbor | Ameresco | 6 MW + 30 MWh Storage | Project selected by utility | 2026 | 96818 | (1) 1-1-10-066 | To be announced | 2025-0218 | Pu‘uloa Solar |
| Pu‘uloa Energy | Pearl Harbor | Ameresco | 99 MW | Project selected by utility | 2027 | 96818 | (1) 9-9-001-008 | Under negotiation | 2017-0352 | Pu‘uloa Energy |
| Mahi Solar and Storage | Kunia | Longroad Energy | 120 MW + 480 MWh Storage | Project selected by utility | 2026 | 96707 | (1) 9-2-004-010 (1) 9-2-004-003 (1) 9-2-004-006 (1) 9-2-004-012 | Under negotiation | 2017-0352 | Mahi Solar and Storage |
| Base Proposal | Kapolei | Kalaeloa Partners | 208 MW | Project selected by utility | 2033 | 96707 | (1)9-1-031:023 | Under negotiation | 2017-0352 | Base proposal |
| Waiau Repower | Pearl City | Hawaiian Electric | 253 MW | Project selected by utility | 2026 | 96782 | (1)9-8-003:010 (1)9-8-004:003 | To be announced | 2025-0211 | Waiau Repower |
| Maui Nui | ||||||||||
| Kaheawa Wind 1 (repower) | Ma‘alaea | Terraform US | 30 MW | Project selected by utility | 2026 | 96761 | 8-001-001-6001 3-6-001-014-6001 | Under negotiation | 2017-0352 | Kaheawa Wind 1 |
| Pulehu Solar & Storage | Pulehu | Longroad Energy | 20 MW + 80 MWh Storage | Project selected by utility | 2027 | 96790 | (2)2-5-001-003 | Under negotiation | 2017-0352 | Pulehu Solar & Storage |
| Kuihelani Solar Phase 2 | Ma‘alaea | AES | 40 MW + 160 MWh Storage | Project selected by utility | 2027 | 96793 | (2)3-8-005-002 | To be announced | 2025-0170 | Kuihelani Solar Phase 2 |
| ‘Ūkiu Energy | Puunene | Ameresco, Inc. | 40 MW | Project selected by utility | 2027 | 96784 | (2) 3-8-003:024 | Under negotiation | 2017-0352 | ‘Ūkiu Energy |
| Hawai‘i Island | ||||||||||
| Hale Kuawehi Solar | Waimea | Innergex Renewable Energy, Paniolo Power | 30 MW + 120 MWh Storage | Completed | March 2025 | 96743 | (3)6-7-001:025 | 0.087399 | 2018-0432 | Hale Kuawehi Solar |
| Hamakua Firm Renewable Energy | Honoka’a | Pacific Current | 60 MW + 30 MWh Storage | Project selected by utility | 2030 | 96727 | (3) 4-5-002-056 (3) 4-5-002-057 | Under negotiation | 2017-0352 | Hamakua Firm Renewable Energy |
| Keamuku Solar | Waikoloa Village | AES | 86 MW + 344 MWh Storage | Project selected by utility | 2030 | 96738 | (3) 6-8-002-008 (3) 6-8-002-010 | To be announced | 2025-0171 | Keamuku Solar |
| Kaua‘i | ||||||||||
| Mana Solar & Storage | Kekaha | AES | 35 MW + 140 MWh Storage | Project selected by utility | Not yet available | 96752 | (4) 1-2-002:001 | 0.127 | 2025-0191 | Mana Solar & Storage |
| Kaawanui Solar & Storage | Pakala Village | AES | 43 MW + 172 MWh Storage | Project selected by utility | Not yet available | 96769 | (4) 1-7-006-010; (4) 1-7-006-006 | 0.1334 | 2025-0198 | Kaawanui Solar & Storage |
STAND-ALONE STORAGE PROJECTS
| Project Name | Island | Location | Developer | Energy Storage Capacity (Megawatts, Megawatt-hours) | Utility’s Renewable Energy (%) | Project Status | Estimated Completion Date | Zip Code | Tax Map Key | PUC Docket | Information Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Keahole Battery Energy Storage | Hawai‘i | Kailua-Kona | Hawaiian Electric Company, Inc. | 12 MW / 12 MWh (1 hr) | N/A | Under PUC Review | TBD | 96740 | (3)7-3-049:036 | 2020-0127 | Keahole Project Summary HE Self-Build Projects |
| Waena Battery Energy Storage | Maui | Kahului | Hawaiian Electric Company, Inc. | 40 MW / 160 MWh (4 hr) | 0.2 | Under PUC Review | November 2026 | N/A | (2)3-8-003:023 | 2020-0132 | Waena Project Summary HE Self-Build Projects |
Project information will be updated as information becomes publicly available.
the first steps in implementing a utility-scale renewable energy project
Although each utility is different, typically the process begins with issuing a request for proposals (RFP) asking developers to submit bids to build a project and sell the energy to the utility. Developers scope out locations and develop cost estimates that conform to the utility’s requirements. The process is reviewed by the Public Utilities Commission through a quasi-judicial public forum. Selected bidders must sign a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) that is reviewed in another public process prior to approval.
The Hawai‘i State Energy Office encourages developers, communities, and affected residents to begin working with each other when projects are in the early scoping phase rather than after a PPA has been executed. This allows communities and residents to contribute meaningfully to all aspects of the project’s development and gives developers the information they need to submit a successful bid and keep their project on schedule. This website provides communities and residents with the information they need to engage in the process and opportunities for public input.
Utility Scale Project Development Process General Summary
The figure shows the general process for a project moving through the competitive bidding framework. It is important to note that the PUC approves both the utilities’ request for proposals (RFP), the guiding document for project selection, as well as the individual project PPAs. Projects that do not go through formal competitive bids generally start the process at step four.
The PUC docket process is an open forum that allows for public comment at any time in the proceeding. In addition, each project must obtain the requisite federal, state, and county permits and approvals, many of which offer the opportunity for public comment. HSEO’s Hawai‘i Statewide Energy Projects Directory and Hawaiian Electric’s Renewable Project Status Board provide additional information on these projects and other utility-scale projects now under development or construction, approved by the PUC, or awaiting PUC approval.
Hawaiian Electric Stage 3 Request for Proposals completed
The Hawaiian Electric Companies have filed RFPs with the Public Utilities Commission in Docket 2017-0352. More information is available on Hawaiian Electric’s Competitive Bidding Webpage. The RFP for Oahu and Maui is combined and was approved by the PUC with conditions. Hawaii Island has been approved by the PUC with conditions.
TWO ELECTRIC UTILITIES DELIVER POWER TO Hawai‘i RESIDENTS
Hawai‘i’s fossil fuel power plants have provided electricity to Hawai‘i residents for decades, but they are old, inefficient, and rely on internationally-sourced imported fuels subject to volatile energy markets. Hawaiian Electric and KIUC need a variety of renewable energy projects to replace these plants.
Each new utility-scale renewable energy project must be submitted to the PUC for review and decision. Some of these projects have been approved by the PUC, others are currently under review. An individual PUC docket has been created for each operational utility-scale renewable energy project listed on this website.
HAWAIIAN ELECTRIC COMPANY
Hawaiian Electric is procuring resources as it phases out fossil fuels towards achieving the goal of 100% renewable energy by 2045. Hawaiian Electric employs a comprehensive competitive bidding process for renewable energy procurement across its service territories on Oʻahu, Maui, and Hawaiʻi Island. This structured process involves developing Requests for Proposals (RFPs), selecting projects, and negotiating contracts, all under the oversight of the Public Utilities Commission. The Hawaiian Electric procurement process has been adaptive, with the most recent change being requiring community benefits packages from developers to ensure communities hosting renewable energy projects see tangible benefits.
KAUAI ISLAND UTILITY COOPERATIVE
KIUC projects are not subject to competitive procurement; however, projects seeking any power purchase agreement require approval from the PUC.