A hybrid solar and battery energy storage facility developed by Innergex Renewable Energy in Hawaii is now fully operational, project partner Ingeteam said on Monday.
The Hale Kuawehi project, located near the town of Waimea on the Big Island, combines 30 megawatts (MW) of solar capacity with a 120 megawatt-hour (MWh) battery energy storage system. The plant is designed to supply electricity to approximately 14,600 homes.
Ingeteam completed commissioning of 11 integrated inverter power stations for the project, which connect both the solar panels and battery systems. The storage system allows energy generated during the day to be stored and dispatched to the grid for up to four hours when needed.
“It is quite rewarding for Ingeteam to contribute to Hawaii’s goal of being 100% renewable and free of fossil fuels using our technology,” said Nohra Nasr, vice president and general manager of Ingeteam’s solar and BESS business in the U.S. “We appreciate the confidence of Innergex to grant us this opportunity to be a part of a more resilient and sustainable grid.”
Electricity from Hale Kuawehi will be sold to Hawaii Electric Light Company (HECO) under a 25-year power purchase agreement.
The system features high power density and is designed for rapid field installation, Ingeteam said. The Spanish engineering firm has supplied or is contracted to supply 9.5 gigawatts (GW) of photovoltaic and battery inverters across the U.S.
Hale Kuawehi is part of Hawaii’s broader strategy to transition to 100% renewable energy by 2045, aiming to reduce its reliance on imported fossil fuels and strengthen energy security.
