Aes Distributed Energy Selected for Two O'ahu Solar + Storage Projects

AES Distributed Energy (AES DE), a division of The AES Corporation, was selected by Hawaiian Electric Companies to develop and operate two new utility-scale solar + storage facilities on O'ahu, Hawai'i. Combined, these two projects are expected to generate a total of 137,000 MWh of locally produced, reliable renewable energy, serving upwards of 23,000 homes. The projects represent AES' continued commitment in helping the State of Hawai'i and its people achieve their 100% renewable energy goals while accelerating a smarter, safer and greener energy future.

"AES DE is honored to be selected by Hawaiian Electric to advance innovative renewable energy solutions, helping Hawai'i achieve its clean energy goals and reduce its reliance on imported fossil fuels," said Woody Rubin, President of AES DE. "We also recognizes the deep economic challenges facing Hawai'i at this time. The projects will not only deliver clean, locally produced renewable energy but will also provide jobs and economic activity at a time when it's needed most." 

AES DE, a leading developer of solar PV and solar PV + storage facilities, will develop two proposed projects on O'ahu: one will be a 19.5 MWdc PV facility paired with a 35 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS), and the other will be a 60 MWdc PV facility paired with a 240 MWh BESS. 

The projects are among sixteen selected by Hawaiian Electric as part of the company's Stage 2 RFP issued in August 2019.   

As an early step in the development process, AES DE will hold initial public meetings to engage with the community and gather feedback on the upcoming projects. Given current COVID-19 considerations, the meetings will be held virtually. Project updates and opportunities for input will continue throughout the development and construction process. Details on the upcoming community meetings will be announced at a later date. 

Construction of these projects is expected to begin in 2022, pending all applicable permitting and approvals, with completion scheduled in 2023. 

AES DE currently operates more than 50 megawatts (MW) of solar and solar + storage across Hawai'i, including the 28 MW/100 MWh Lawa'i solar + storage project on Kaua'i as well as another 100 MW of solar + storage projects in development on O'ahu, Maui and Hawai'i Islands, which were awarded under Hawaiian Electric's Stage 1 RFP issued in February 2018.