Independent developer of utility-scale battery storage projects Plus Power has announced that its 185MW/565MWh Kapolei Energy Storage project has been selected by Hawaiian Electric.

The utility selected 16 renewable energy as well as battery storage projects located across three islands in the second phase of the request for proposal (RFP) process.

Located in Kapolei on the island of Oahu, Plus Power’s KES project is said to be the largest battery storage project selected by Hawaiian Electric in the RFP process.

Plus Power lead developer Bob Rudd said: “Plus Power is honoured and excited to work with Hawaiian Electric to implement this ground-breaking project.

“At 185MW/565MWh, the KES project will provide the scale necessary to transition away from coal and to accelerate Hawaii’s path toward 100% renewable energy.

“We look forward to working closely with all stakeholders to realise this project and deliver its economic and environmental benefits to the people of Oahu.”

The battery storage facility is spread across nearly eight acres of land in the Kapolei Harborside industrial project. It will be equipped with a lithium-ion battery and will interconnect at a critical Hawaiian Electric substation.

Construction of the KES facility is expected to begin in summer 2021, subject to approval from the Hawai’i Public Utilities Commission.

Upon completion in June 2022, KES project is expected to enhance Hawaiian Electric’s grid reliability.

Additionally, KES project would ensure that the AES coal plant will end its operations in September 2022. This will support the state’s goal of shifting from fossil fuels to 100% renewable energy generation.