Puʻuloa Energy
We Believe
The Project is rooted in its intent and relationship with the community.
Puʻuloa Energy
Located on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH), this renewable energy project will provide approximately 99 MW of firm and flexible renewable generation utilizing 11 engines.
The project will be designed to interconnect to the Oʻahu grid and provide energy resiliency for Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam should there be an island grid failure.
The Project will provide significant benefits, notably supporting grid stability to allow for more rooftop solar and other intermittent resources while also providing Black Start capacity to the island grid if needed to recover from a major grid outage.
Project Benefits
The project will provide clean, renewable energy and help stabilize energy costs, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and provide a pathway to increased energy independence.
Renewable energy generated by this project will replace energy generated by burning fossil fuel, thereby reducing emissions and greenhouse gases. The project will provide firm renewable energy to help balance and respond to the variability of solar and wind generation, filling in the gaps to enhance reliability and maintain power quality on the grid. The firm renewable generation can be brought online, in black start mode, in the event of a grid power outage to provide power to JBPHH. These new fast, flexible engines will enable the current fossil fuel generators to turn down their idling engines, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The project can provide renewable energy all day and all night long, help stabilize energy fuel costs and provide a pathway to increased energy independence.
The project aligns with numerous critical goals and mandates in Hawaiʻi, including:
- The state’s energy goal of 100% renewable electricity by 2045.
- The state’s carbon-neutral goal by 2045.
Benefiting The Wider Community
Economic Boost
The stable cost of energy would be passed on to Oʻahu utility customers.
Energy All Day and Night, All the Time
Firm renewable energy can be provided all day and all night, irrespective of the weather.
Employment & Community Benefits
The Project will provide local prevailing wage jobs in construction, other local Project-related jobs and apprenticeships, and ongoing operational employment, as well as maximize spending within local communities to support small and under-represented businesses.
Through input from residents and stakeholders, Ameresco is committed to identifying impactful ways to benefit the local community. Organizations and groups that focus on environmental protection, natural hazard mitigation, quality-of-life enhancements, homelessness, Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) education, and youth recreation align with Amerescoʻs priorities. The Project is committed to providing a package of $297,000 annual benefits ($3,000/MW) to the community through a local non-profit administrator throughout the life of the project.
PROPOSED PROJECT TIMELINE
November 2022
Hawaiian Electric
Ongoing
Community Outreach and Community Benefits Outreach
December 2023
Project Selection by Hawaiian Electric
March 2024
Community Outreach Meeting
Q2 2024
Environmental Studies Completed
Q2 2025
Power Purchase Agreement filed with Hawai‘i Public Utilities Commission
Q2 2025
Permitting Completed
Q2 2025
Second Community Outreach Meeting
Q3 2025
PUC Approval of PPA
Q3 2025
Construction
Q4 2027
Commercial Operations
Q1 2028
Community Benefits Program Launch
2027 for 30 years
Community Benefits Program Annual Donation
30 years
Power Purchase Agreement Term
End of Term
Decommissioning
Community
Ameresco understands the importance of community engagement and outreach. We listen first, and then we will act — with integrity, intention, and transparency.