Hawaii Island’s second solar plus battery storage project, Innergex Renewable Energy, Inc. Hale Kuawehi Solar and Battery Storage Project, started commercial operations on March 25 and is currently producing up to 30 megawatts of renewable energy for the island’s grid.

Located on a 300-acre parcel of land about a half-mile north of the Hawaii Belt Road and Old Saddle Road intersection in Waimea, the project’s 120 megawatt-hour battery energy storage system can produce enough energy to to power about 13,500 homes.

“This project has multiple benefits for our customers on Hawaii Island,” said Colton Ching, Hawaiian Electric’s senior vice president, Planning & Technology, in a release. “It supplies clean, renewable energy, strengthens the grid, and stabilizes electricity costs. With battery storage and advanced controls, the project will improve the reliability of the system by providing energy when it is needed.”

Innergex has a 25-year purchase agreement with Hawaiian Electric to sell energy at a fixed cost not subject to volatile fossil fuel prices. The project offsets the need to import 1.6 million barrels of oil to produce electricity, according to Hawaiian Electric.

“The commercial operation of the Hale Kuawehi solar and battery storage facility reflects the hard work of our teams and partners and Innergex’s continued commitment to providing sustainable and innovative energy solutions,” said Michel Letellier, president and chief executive officer of Innergex. “By combining solar energy with advanced storage technology, we are helping Hawaii transition to a resilient and carbon-free electric system.”

According to Hawaiian Electric, in 2024 nearly 59% of the island’s electricity was generated by renewables such as grid-scale solar, private rooftop solar, wind, hydroelectric and geothermal. The percentage is expected to rise with the addition of Hale Kuawehi and Hawaiian Electric’s future projects.