AES Distributed Energy and KIUC break ground for Lāwa’i Solar Project in Hawaiʻi

AES Distributed Energy which is a subsidiary of the AES Corporation and Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative (KIUC) held a groundbreaking for the  Lāwa’i Solar and Energy Storage Project on Kauaʻi’s south shore. The project encompasses 28 MW solar photovoltaic (PV) and a 100 MWh five-hour duration energy storage system contributing remarkably to the state of Hawai’i’s goal of attaining 100% renewable energy by 2045.

Woody Rubin, President of AES Distributed Energy said “This innovative project will help reduce Kauai’s reliance on fossil fuels while generating clean, reliable and  affordable energy.”

KIUC’s President and Chief Executive Officer, David Bissell. “Projects like this
are possible because we’ve forged partnerships with landowners like A&B and proven industry leaders such as AES. Credit is also due to our Board of Directors for setting bold strategic goals, and of course to our member-owners for their support.”

Utilization of advanced technologies like battery-based energy storage will benefit those who live and visit  Hawaiʻi, providing the island with safe, reliable and higher-quality power and a more resilient grid. This system will provide dispatchable renewable solar energy with the ability to deliver consistent peak power output for up to five hours outside of daytime hours while preserving the ability to provide energy directly to the grid during daytime hours.