Hawaiian Electric is dedicated to using energy storage as part of a comprehensive approach to maintain grid reliability and cost-effectively integrate renewable energy sources. As an island state, Hawaii is unable to rely on importing clean energy from other states, so it must make use of its abundant renewable resources to power a resilient grid. To this end, Hawaiian Electric has implemented several initiatives to guarantee that its renewable energy sources are compatible with other forms of generation and storage technologies. Molokai residents have already taken advantage of energy saving kits provided by Hawaii Energy, the Maui County Water Supply Department, and Hawaiian Electric.
To ensure a high level of system reliability under the new high renewable energy regime, Hawaiian Electric is utilizing both generation units and grid service resources such as energy storage technologies and demand response (DR). The company has also issued four requests for proposals (RFPs) to identify new opportunities for renewable energy projects on Oahu. Hawaiian Electric is exploring wind energy options both on the island and offshore, as well as strategies to manage natural wind fluctuations in order to guarantee a more stable and predictable energy flow.
Energy storage
has the potential to address the intermittency of renewable energy sources and improve the reliable operation of the power grid by providing ancillary services such as voltage control and frequency regulation and contingency reserve. Oahu customers will soon be able to participate in shared solar programs managed by Hawaiian Electric. The company has identified locations on the islands that provide adequate technical conditions for future renewable resources.Hawaiian Electric is also adapting to changing supply chain issues affecting generation and renewable energy projects. The utility company offers programs for customers who install traditional rooftop photovoltaic systems as well as systems with emerging energy storage technologies. These customer distributed energy resources (DER) include private rooftop solar systems or battery storage systems installed in customers' homes and businesses. Hawaiian Electric has proposed a company-wide implementation, transitioning existing programs to a new DR portfolio. The success of these initiatives can be attributed to the dedication and hard work of the solar industry in partnership with Hawaiian Electric. By taking these steps, Hawaiian Electric is ensuring that its renewable energy sources are compatible with other forms of generation and storage technologies.
