frequently asked questions

This project combines 30 MW of solar photovoltaic electricity capacity with 120 MWh of battery energy storage on Parker Ranch land near Waimea, on the island of Hawai’i. The Project would power approximately 14,600 Big Island households with clean, renewable energy.

Innergex responded to a competitive Request for Proposal (RFP) issued by HECO in 2018 for renewable energy that will help stabilize and lower costs while reducing the state’s reliance on imported fossil fuels and cutting greenhouse gas emissions.

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.

The Project is anticipated to provide savings to the typical residential Hawai’i Electric Light Company customer. It is estimated that as a result of this Project, a typical residential Hawai’i Electric Light Company customer consuming 500 kWh per month could save approximately $6.20 in 2022 and $6.79 in 2023 on the customer’s monthly electric bill.¹ 

The Unit Price, as defined in the PPA, is advantageous in that it is fixed for the duration of the PPA and is anticipated to result in lower effective rates for customers.

1.From Power Purchase Agreement for Renewable Dispatchable Generation which can be searched on the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission Document Management System under Docket No. 2018-0432.

The Project will significantly reduce fuel consumption on Hawai’i Electric Light Company’s generating units. It is estimated that the Project has the potential to displace 497,126 barrels of fuels over the [25-year] term of the PPA. Hawai’i Electric Light also estimates that the Facility has the potential to contribute up to 7.7% to Hawai’i Electric Light Company’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) over the 25-year term of the PPA. Furthermore, Hawai’i Electric Light Company will have the contractual flexibility to dispatch energy from the Project’s PV or battery storage system as needed, offset night-time customer demand, and assist in grid stabilization subject to discharge limits.

Hawai’i Electric Light Company stated that the Commission explicitly take into consideration the avoidance of production of tens of thousands of tons of GHG emissions each year, for an estimated total of up to 180,500 tons of GHG emissions that will be avoided during the 25-year term of the PPA.

The battery storage system was a key aspect of the RFP. The batteries would be completely charged from the solar panels during the day. The energy can then be used during peak demand in the evening or at other times when the sun is not shining.

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.