Clean Energy Solutions: Kūpono Solar Begins Operations
Ameresco, Inc., a leading company specializing in energy efficiency and renewable energy, announced the commencement of commercial operations for Kūpono Solar, a solar and battery storage facility located at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam West Loch Annex. The facility is now fully operational, supporting Hawaiian Electric’s grid on O‘ahu.
Kūpono Solar: Powering 10,000 Homes with Renewable Energy
A dedication ceremony inaugurating the Kūpono Solar facility occurred at Ewa Beach, with the attendance of several notable figures including Meredith Berger, Assistant Secretary of the Navy and Chief Sustainability Officer; Captain Mark Sohaney, Commander of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam; Shelee Kimura, President and CEO of Hawaiian Electric; and Nicole Bulgarino, Executive Vice President of Ameresco.
This benchmark project, featuring a 42 MW photovoltaic solar array and a four-hour 42 MW / 168 MWh battery storage facility, serves as a testament to Hawai’i’s commitment towards a clean energy future. Key benefits include stabilizing energy costs, reducing fossil fuel usage, and supporting Hawai‘i’s goal of 100% clean energy by 2045.
Impact of Kūpono Solar
The Kūpono Solar facility, built on 131 acres of Navy land under a long-term lease, now powers around 10,000 homes on O‘ahu. This clean, renewable energy source also offsets 50,000 tons of CO2 emissions each year, contributing to a diversified portfolio of clean energy solutions and aligning with the Department of Defense’s and the state’s long-term clean energy goals.
Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi lauded the project as a significant step towards energy efficiency and renewable energy, and praised Ameresco, Hawaiian Electric, and the U.S. Navy for their dedication to sustainability and innovation.
Governor Josh Green, M.D., expressed his satisfaction at seeing the project brought to fruition, and thanked Ameresco, Hawaiian Electric, the U.S. Navy, and the ‘Ewa community for their support.
Stakeholders on Kūpono Solar
Shelee Kimura, Hawaiian Electric President and CEO, commented on the importance of strong partnerships in achieving energy independence and building a more resilient Hawai’i.
Meredith Berger, Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Energy, Installations, and Environment (EI&E) and Chief Sustainability Officer, echoed similar sentiments, stating the project enhances shared resilience in providing renewable, reliable power supporting shared energy goals.
Nicole Bulgarino, Executive Vice President of Ameresco, expressed delight at the completion of the project and commencement of operations. She emphasized the benefits this development brings to the residents of O’ahu and the environment.
For more information on Kūpono Solar, visit www.kuponosolar.com and to learn more about Ameresco, visit www.ameresco.com.
Original Story at finance.yahoo.com