Ameresco and Bright Canyon Form Partnership for Hawaiian Solar Plus BESS Project

Massachusetts-based cleantech integrator Ameresco and Bright Canyon Energy announced the proposed Kūpono Solar Project, a combined solar and battery system to be built at the Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam West Loch Annex in Hawai‘i.

“The Navy is excited to see this joint Kūpono Solar/Hawaiian Electric project move forward for our community’s benefit,” said Capt. Randall E. Harmeyer, Public Works Officer, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. “This enables us to put 131 acres of underutilized land to long-term, sustainable use for Hawai‘i at a time when the cost and reliability of worldwide energy supplies is of great concern and reflects the Navy’s core commitment to energy security and resiliency for America.”

The project comprises the installation of a 42 MW photovoltaic solar array and a 42 MW/168 MWh (four-hour duration) lithium-ion battery storage system.

“We are excited to be working with the Navy, Hawaiian Electric, and the community on this important sustainability project in Hawai‘i. The energy generated and stored on this underutilized land will directly benefit the residents, businesses, and communities of O‘ahu,” said Nicole Bulgarino, Executive Vice President, Ameresco. “In addition, it will replace energy generated by burning fossil fuel, thereby reducing emissions and greenhouse gases and create a cleaner, healthier place for residents to live, work and play.”

The two companies are working in unison to bring diverse clean energy solutions to Hawai‘i with this being the first project aiding this massive, long-term energy resiliency plan.

“This project aligns with the energy priorities and policies set forth by the state of Hawai‘i, including the 100 percent renewable energy and carbon-neutral goals by 2045,” said Jason Smith, General Manager, Bright Canyon Energy. “We are committed to working with Hawaiian Electric, the Navy, and the local community as we move forward with this exciting project that will deliver a range of benefits for the clean energy future of O‘ahu.”

The project is slated to complete construction at the start of 2024. The joint venture, Kūpono Solar, will own and function this solar and battery project under a 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with Hawaiian Electric.