As the Barbers Point coal plant closes, AES is expanding its clean energy projects to deliver 300 MW of renewable energy to households statewide
AES Expands Renewable Energy Initiatives in Support of Hawai‘i’s Clean Energy Future
HONOLULU – August 4, 2022 – On September 1, 2022, The AES Corporation (NYSE: AES) will cease operations of the Barbers Point coal-fueled power plant in west O‘ahu as it continues with its rapid expansion of new renewable energy projects throughout Hawai‘i.
The AES power plant is in the final weeks of concluding a successful 30-year run of being a reliable source of electricity for consumers, providing as much as 20% of O‘ahu’s energy at the lowest available cost, especially when compared to oil.
The power plant opened on September 1, 1992 and is closing on its 30th anniversary date as required by state legislation passed in 2020. The plant’s closure comes following AES’ recent announcement that it intends to decarbonize its operations globally over the next three years.
As AES accelerates its commitment to a cleaner energy future, the company is expanding with renewable projects throughout Hawai‘i, providing smarter energy solutions to improve lives, while supporting a healthier environment.
“AES is proud to be a renewable energy leader in Hawai‘i,” said Sandra Larsen, AES’ Market Business Leader for Hawai‘i. “We are fully committed to helping the state realize its goal to power every island grid with 100% renewable energy by 2045. AES is dedicated to playing an integral role in the transition to a more sustainable energy future.”
AES’ renewable energy projects currently in operation or under development will provide power to tens of thousands of homes statewide, coupled with a reduction of 100,000 metric tons of carbon that would otherwise be emitted. These new renewable energy sources will also help the state eliminate more than 7 million barrels of oil over the course of the renewable projects’ lifecycles.
AES’ Lāwai solar + storage project on Kaua‘i sets an example of the company’s commitment to cleaner, renewable energy sources in Hawai‘i. When the Lāwai project was commissioned three years ago, it was the largest solar photovoltaic and battery energy storage facility in the world. Operated in conjunction with the Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative, the Lāwai project’s 28 MW and 100 MWh battery energy storage system provides 11% of Kaua‘i’s energy.
AES has six other renewable energy projects currently under development across the state, which is more projects than any other renewable energy developer in Hawai‘i.
Among those projects in development are the West O‘ahu solar + storage project, which began site preparation in May 2022. The project will house a 12.5 MW and 50 MWh battery energy storage system. Created in conjunction with the University of Hawai‘i, the West O‘ahu project will house both a renewable energy facility and open land used for agricultural purposes, making it an agri-voltaic site.
On July 29, AES broke ground on the Kuihelani solar + storage project in central Maui, the largest solar project in the state. Kuihelani will generate 60 MW of renewable energy to meet the demand of 27,000 homes, supplying 15% of Maui’s energy needs.
As AES completes the process of shutting down the Barbers Point power plant, its remaining 39 employees are being shifted to new positions at other AES facilities or provided with career relocation services, while some longtime employees are choosing to retire. An additional 60 full-time O‘ahu-based workers support the plant’s operations as contractors.
“The Barbers Point power plant served a valuable purpose over the past 30 years, meeting O‘ahu’s energy needs and providing reliable, cost-efficient power to consumers,” said Larsen. “Our loyal employees deserve all the credit for the hard work, producing the electricity that people need for their daily lives and to run their businesses. We thank them for their dedication and service to our community.”
About AES
The AES Corporation (NYSE: AES) is a Fortune 500 global energy company accelerating the future of energy. Together with our many stakeholders, we're improving lives by delivering the greener, smarter energy solutions the world needs. Our diverse workforce is committed to continuous innovation and operational excellence, while partnering with our customers on their strategic energy transitions and continuing to meet their energy needs today. For more information, visit www.aes.com.
In support of Hawai‘i’s 100% renewable energy goal of 2045, AES is accelerating its commitment to a greener energy future with nine renewable projects currently in operation or under development in the state, more than any other renewable energy developer. These projects will collectively provide more than 300 MW of renewable energy, enough to power 120,000 homes statewide, while eliminating more than 175,000 metric tons of carbon emissions and more than 15 million barrels of oil consumption over the course of their lifecycles. For information about AES in Hawai‘i, please visit www.aes.com/hawaii.
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