HECO issues renewable energy procurement for Oahu, Hawaii Island, and Maui

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Hawaiian Electric Co. recently issued what it says is one of the state’s largest energy procurements.

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On July 17, the company submitted its Integrated Grid Planning request for proposals, seeking renewable energy projects and storage for Oahu, Hawaii Island, and Maui.

HECO said the projects would make significant progress toward the state’s goal of using 100% renewable energy for power generation by 2045.

“Hawai‘i needs to move faster, and we think our expedited procurement plan is the best way to drive competition, evaluate all options and more rapidly build a portfolio that meets the requirements of efficiency, reliability and lower carbon emissions — and does it at the least cost,” Scott Seu, CEO of Hawaiian Electric, said in a press release. “This is one of the actions we’re taking that will benefit our customers and our state sooner, not on some faraway horizon.”

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The procurement includes bidding for nearly 1,650 gigawatt-hours of renewable energy generation, such as solar or wind, with battery storage. The projects would go into service between 2031 and 2034.

HECO is also seeking separate, expedited regulatory approval to expand the procurement for fuel-flexible firm generation, such as liquefied natural gas, on Oahu by up to an additional 500 megawatts.

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