Maui

Project Overview

• The Kūihelani Solar + Storage Project is a renewable energy project developed by AES Hawai'i, aimed at contributing to the diversification of Maui's energy mix and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

Location and Land Use

• The project is located in Central Maui, off Kūihelani Highway, and utilizes approximately 450 acres of land leased from Mahi Pono. The project has been designed to avoid highly productive agricultural soil, instead using LSB Class E soils.

Technical Specifications

• The project includes a 60 MWac solar photovoltaic system and a 240 MWh containerized lithium-ion battery energy storage system. This setup will feed into the Maui utility (HECO) electrical grid.

Economic Benefits

• The construction of the project is estimated to create 294 jobs and generate a total economic output of $68 million toward Hawai'i's economy. This aligns with AES Hawai'i's commitment to contributing to the island's economic recovery.

Energy Contribution

• Upon completion, the project is anticipated to contribute approximately 15% of Maui’s energy needs. It will deliver power at $0.08/kWh, which is one of the lowest rates for renewable energy in the state and less than the cost of fossil fuel power.

Environmental Impact

• The project is expected to result in the avoidance of 1,987,751 barrels of oil over its 25-year span. This significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions and supports a cleaner energy future.

Community and Cultural Considerations

• AES Hawai'i has conducted extensive community outreach and engagement. This includes presentations to the Maui Planning Commission, Waikapū Community Association, and the Maui Lāna‘i Island Burial Council. An Archaeological Inventory Survey (AIS) and Cultural Impact Assessment (CIA) have been conducted to ensure the protection of archaeological resources during construction.

Visual and Land Use Mitigation

• In response to community feedback, the project footprint has been reduced by approximately 35% compared to the original site layout. The project design minimizes visual impacts, especially along Kūihelani Highway and Maui Veterans Highway. Landscaping will be incorporated where practicable to further reduce visual impacts.

Agricultural Compatibility

• The project area will be made available at no cost for compatible agricultural activities such as rotational sheep grazing and local honey production. This promotes natural vegetation management and contributes to Maui's local food production.

Regulatory Approvals

• The project has undergone various regulatory approvals, including a Maui County Special Use Permit Application (File no. CUP 2021/0003) and approval from the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) for the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).