Hawaiian Electric to shut down oil-fired plants as it transitions to renewables
Hawaiian Electric is looking to retire its oil-fired generating units at the Kahului Power Plant (KPP) as it transitions to more renewable energy generation sources.
The company filed an application with the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to retire oil-fired generating units by 2024. It is working to replace the voltage support and system inertia that KPP provides with clean energy sources.
Two of four KPP units will be converted to non-generating synchronous condensers that involve installation of start-up motors to use the units to control voltage and maintain inertia on the system. The two remaining KPP units would be permanently shut down.
The company is also working to procure replacement generation resources through large-scale renewable energy and battery projects. Currently, two contracts for solar and battery projects in Central and South Maui are in the works, and the regulators are reviewing two additional solar and battery projects in Central and West Maui.
Further, Hawaiian Electric is building the Waena Switchyard on Pulehu Road in Central Maui. Without the KPP generators online, the new switchyard is essential for transmission, collection, and controlling of electricity flow from other generation resources. The Waena battery energy storage system currently under review by the PUC. Once approved, the Waena Switchyard is expected to be online in December 2022, followed by the generator conversions in 2024.
“We’re committed to transitioning to local, clean energy and part of this effort requires updates to our island’s electrical system,” Sharon Suzuki, president of Maui County and Hawaii Island utilities, said. “As we work to bring in more renewables, the upgrades ensure we maintain safe, reliable, cost-effective service for everyone.”
It is part of the company’s plans to achieve a renewable portfolio standard of 100 percent by 2045.
