Hawaiian Electric (HECO) is preparing for a significant shift in Maui’s energy landscape, with plans to retire 88 megawatts (MW) of its fossil fuel generators by 2028. This represents approximately 35% of the firm generator capacity on the island. The initiative is driven by stringent state environmental regulations and the increasing difficulty of maintaining aging generators.
HECO’s strategy includes decommissioning 50MW of diesel engines at the Māʻalaea Power Plant and closing the Kahului Power Plant, which contributes another 38MW. During a Public Utilities Commission meeting, HECO’s Vice President of Power Supply, Mike DeCaprio, addressed the upcoming challenges, stating, “For years, we have stated concerns with the energy margins on Maui. Today, that is temporarily resolved with the commercial operation of the Kūihelani Solar Storage project. But by 2028, it’s going to be challenging.”
The utility company’s plans faced setbacks due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Four renewable energy projects, expected to provide 66% of Maui’s capacity by 2027-2028, were delayed by supply chain issues, permitting delays, and high operational costs. Only the Kūihelani and Waena Storage projects are progressing as scheduled.
Despite these obstacles, HECO remains dedicated to meeting Hawaii’s Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS), which aim for 100% renewable energy by 2045. In 2023, HECO reported that Maui County achieved a 35.4% renewable energy mix, composed of 19.1% customer-sited solar, 15.7% wind, and 0.6% grid-scale solar.
The transition underscores HECO’s commitment to renewable energy and environmental sustainability, setting the stage for a greener future on Maui.
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