frequently asked questions

The project combines 15 MW of solar photovoltaic electric capacity with 15 MW, 4-hour (60 MWh) of battery energy storage located in Kapolei on the island of O’ahu. The Project is to be located on two non-contiguous lots (Parcels 38 & 40) owned by the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL). The solar array and associated infrastructure will utilize approximately 100 acres and will interconnect to the Hawaiian Electric grid via a 0.25-mile long 46-kilovolt generation-tie line.

In August 2009, the DHHL and Hawaiian Electric executed the Energy Partnership Charter with a shared vision for an energy future for Hawai’i that would serve as a model of energy self-sufficiency and sustainability and leave a legacy for future generations to come. Critical energy objectives were set, including identifying suitable renewable projects for DHHL’s suitable lands that were not suitable for homestead development.

DHHL has developed a three-tiered planning system to guide planning on its land holdings and policies for resource management, for the benefit of current and future beneficiaries (DHHL 2014). The planning system includes an over-arching General Plan; Strategic Program Plans and Island Plans, including the Oahu Island Plan; and Regional and Development plans, such as the Kapolei Regional Plan. The parcels at Kalaeloa are designated as Industrial and have qualities that are ideal for a solar project. The proposed project would provide DHHL with revenue, which would be utilized for developing homestead sites.

Renewable energy sites were selected by DHHL in consultation with the beneficiary community as part of their planning processes throughout 2008 – 2014. In 2018 and in 2019, DHHL ran consecutive competitive solicitation processes for the disposition of these sites by general leases for renewable energy projects. The DHHL RFP was widely advertised and all qualified applicants were welcomed to bid.

DHHL lands in Kalaeloa, O’ahu were deemed not suitable for homesteading due to their proximity to a nearby airport as well as their remote locations, physical characteristics, and lack of infrastructure for residential development.

While all DHHL lands in Kalaeloa are zoned for Industrial use, several parcels were designated for renewable energy production in 2014 through the Department’s beneficiary consultation process and in accordance with DHHL’s 2009 Ho`omaluō energy policy.

It was also determined that the highest and best use of these available lands would be in the renewable energy category as a result of limiting issues including land tenure, presence of historical structures, and topography. The area’s terrain is considered karst which is characterized by porous and permeable coralline limestone reef deposit, making much of DHHL’s Kalaeloa land susceptible to sink holes and therefore more appropriate for low-intensity industrial use. Revenues developed from industrial leasing of these available lands are used by DHHL to develop new homesteads in suitable residential areas throughout the state.

Innergex was selected by DHHL as the final applicant for the proposed project site and to continue with the leasing process that includes consultation meetings with DHHL’s beneficiaries and public hearings. A non-exclusive Right-of-Entry was issued on August 1, 2019 for an initial period of two years with the option to extend for three additional one-year periods to conduct due diligence activities and investigation related to the development of a solar project. Innergex would seek a 25-year term lease to match the power purchase agreement. At the end of the PPA, Innergex is committed to remove the solar equipment and return the site to its previous condition.

For 30 years, Innergex has believed in a world where abundant renewable energy promotes healthier communities and creates shared prosperity. As an independent renewable power producer which develops, acquires, owns and operates hydroelectric facilities, wind farms, solar farms and energy storage facilities, Innergex is convinced that generating power from renewable sources will lead the way to a better world. Innergex conducts operations in Canada, the United States, France and Chile.

Innergex will be responsible for 100% of the development, construction, and start-up costs. After completion, Innergex will also be responsible for all operational and maintenance costs.

Barbers Point will power approximately 6,200 homes with renewable energy. This will contribute to the State of Hawai’i’s goal to be 100% renewable by 2045 and reduce the state’s dependency on imported fossil fuels. The project capitalizes on an abundant solar resource which is the least expensive form of renewable energy available in Hawai’i today.

In keeping with Innergex’s core values, preference will be given to local suppliers and contractors throughout the development of the project. The project will also contribute to local organizations, community projects and events throughout the life of the project.

During operations, the project’s community benefits package will be dedicated to funding the Kapolei Community Development Corporation (KCDC) for the Heritage Center. The benefit of working with the KCDC is that its membership includes the homesteader associations in the Kapolei/Kalaeloa area, including the Malu’ohai, Kaupe’a, Kanehili and Kauluokaha’i homestead communities, but also provides a place for all of O’ahu and neighbor island Hawaiians to meet on O’ahu for various purposes. Innergex is working with the Center for Native Hawaiian Advancement and the Makaha Training Center who will be providing a solar installation skills training course for its members and beneficiaries who are looking to participate in this industry, with a particular focus on utility-scale projects. The project will also contribute to local organizations, community projects and events throughout the life of the project.

Respecting the archaeological, cultural, and environmental features of any site that Innergex develops is a priority. As such, archaeological, cultural and environmental studies and analyses are ongoing for gaining a thorough understanding of the site. The intent is to arrive at the best possible final layout that balances archaeological, cultural, environmental, technical, economic and social considerations.

As part of the decommissioning of a typical solar project after its useful lifecycle (between 25-35 years), any and all components associated with the project would be removed and the area returned to substantially the same condition as existed prior to project development. Decommissioning criteria include consideration of local environmental factors to minimize effects such as erosion during the removal process, and the recycling of all possible materials demolished or removed from the site.

Reuse or recycling of materials would be prioritized over disposal. Recycling is an area of great focus in the solar industry, and programs for both batteries and solar panels are advancing every year. Panels and batteries would most likely be shipped to recycling facilities on the mainland.

If any materials need replacing before the facility end-of-life, Innergex would seek the most environmentally-responsible route for reuse, recycling or disposal.