The U.S. Department of Energy Selected Ameresco's Pu`uloa Microgrid Energy Asset for the Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships Program
99 MW Microgrid to Enhance Energy Resilience and Reliability for Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam and the Broader Oahu Community
News release from AMERESCO, October 18, 2024
FRAMINGHAM, Mass. & HONOLULU--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Ameresco, Inc., (NYSE: AMRC), a leading cleantech integrator specializing in energy efficiency and renewable energy, in partnership with the U.S. Navy and Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO), is proud to announce that the Pu`uloa Microgrid, a cutting-edge project aimed at enhancing energy resilience for Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam (JBPHH) and the island of Oahu, has been selected to be a part of the Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) Program. GRIP was established by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and administered by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Grid Deployment Office (GDO).
The Pu`uloa Microgrid will integrate smart grid technology within a front-of-the-meter microgrid design, utilizing microgrid control systems and new electrical infrastructure to provide critical grid reliability improvements for Oahu. This project with a planned 99 MW firm capacity renewable dispatchable generation resource is being developed at JBPHH. The support from DOE’s GRIP Program will enable a hybrid microgrid to be deployed more quickly, demonstrating the ability of smart grid technology linked to firm clean energy to improve generation mix diversity and grid reliability, while creating good-paying jobs.
(REALITY: According to its developer, the “99-megawatt Puʻuloa plant” being built on base at Pearl Harbor consists of “11 dual-fuel reciprocating generators.” ‘Reciprocating engine’ is just a deceptive word for an internal combustion engine. The dual fuels are diesel and biodiesel. So in reality, the answer is 11 giant diesel generators. Why? because they start up quickly and can go on or off in combinations of 1-11 units to counterbalance erratic wind and solar energy.)
Anticipated Outcomes and Benefits
Grid Support: During normal grid conditions, the Pu`uloa Microgrid will supply clean, reliable power to the Oahu grid from Pu`uloa Energy. In the event of grid outages, the microgrid will detect the loss of power, disconnect from the broader grid, and direct power from Pu`uloa Energy to support JBPHH’s national security needs. The system will also provide black start capabilities during a full island outage and improve power quality through ancillary services such as frequency response and voltage support.
Smart Microgrid Technologies: The Pu`uloa Microgrid is designed to strengthen the grid and improve resilience by increasing or establishing interconnections between HECO substations at JBPHH with new 46 kV transmission backbone infrastructure. This will be integrated into the microgrid control system and utilize state-of-the-art smart grid technologies.
Community Benefits: The project will pursue a Project Labor Agreement with local unions, pay prevailing wages, and use apprentice labor. During construction, at least 75% of jobs will be locally sourced, creating approximately 40 jobs. Ameresco will fund workforce development scholarships for James Campbell High School, an agriculture and workforce development initiative for Leilehua High School, support other local schools and needs of the community, and an environmental cleanup initiative for the Salt Lake Community bordering JBPHH
“As extreme weather events continue to stress electric systems across the country, the Biden-Harris Administration is using every tool in the toolbox to make sure America’s power grid can provide reliable, affordable power,” said Maria Robinson, Director, Grid Deployment Office, U.S. Department of Energy. “The Pu`uloa Microgrid will use an innovative, hybrid approach to microgrids and smart grid technologies to enhance grid resilience and diversify their energy mix, all while creating good paying jobs and providing affordable, clean energy to Hawaii customers.”
“We are thrilled to be chosen for The Department of Energy’s GRIP program,” said Nicole Bulgarino, Executive Vice President at Ameresco. “Partnering with the U.S. Navy and Hawaiian Electric Company on the groundbreaking Pu`uloa Microgrid project will not only enhance energy resilience and reliability for Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam but also provide significant benefits to the broader Oahu community. This project exemplifies our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and community engagement.”
Additional information about Pu`uloa Energy can be found at puuloaenergy.com
For more information about Ameresco and its renewable energy solutions, visit www.ameresco.com.
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Hawaiian Electric Company Announces Ameresco Award for Two Clean Energy Projects Totaling 111 MW
Firm renewable, solar and storage installation to provide clean energy to Hawaii and boost grid reliability
Over 111MW to be added to Ameresco’s Energy Assets in Development
Continues Ameresco’s track record of growing its renewable asset portfolio
News release from AMERESCO, December 11, 2023
FRAMINGHAM, MA and O’AHU, HI – December 11, 2023 – Ameresco, Inc. (NYSE:AMRC), a leading clean technology integrator specializing in energy resiliency, today announced that it has been selected in Hawaiian Electric Company’s clean energy procurement initiative to bring a cleaner and more resilient energy supply to Hawaii. Ameresco was awarded two clean energy facilities located on the island of O‘ahu. The Pu`uloa Energy installation is designed to generate 99 megawatts (MW) of firm renewable power leveraging clean fuels including biodiesel and biogas fuels. The Pu`uloa Solar project is designed to provide Oahu with an additional 6.4 MW of solar generation combined with 6 MW/30 megawatt hours (MWH) of energy storage to provide solar after sunset when electricity use remains high.
(REALITY: According to its developer, the “99-megawatt Puʻuloa plant” being built on base at Pearl Harbor consists of “11 dual-fuel reciprocating generators.” ‘Reciprocating engine’ is just a deceptive word for an internal combustion engine. The dual fuels are diesel and biodiesel. So in reality, the answer is 11 giant diesel generators. Why? because they start up quickly and can go on or off in combinations of 1-11 units to counterbalance erratic wind and solar energy.)
Pending successful negotiation of a power purchase agreement with Hawaiian Electric and approval by the Hawai‘i Public Utilities Commission, Pu`uloa Solar and Pu`uloa Energy as planned is expected to begin supplying electricity to customers by Q3 2026 and Q4 2027, respectively. Together these facilities will deliver clean, renewable energy, help reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and further support Hawaii’s pathway to increased energy independence.
“These projects align with the energy priorities and policies set forth by the state of Hawaii, including the 100 percent renewable energy and carbon neutral goals by 2045 and also strongly support the Navy’s goals to bring energy resiliency to Pearl Harbor,” said Nicole Bulgarino, Executive Vice President of Ameresco. “We are committed to working with the community as we move forward with these exciting projects that are designed to deliver clean energy to O‘ahu.”
In support of a Department of Defense long-term energy security initiative, Ameresco is working with the Department of Navy towards a second 37-year land lease with the Navy at Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam (JBPHH) to provide critical energy resiliency upgrades. This newest lease encompasses multiple parcels at JBPHH and builds on a current lease Ameresco has with the Navy in support of Kūpono Solar. Kūpono Solar is under construction and when commissioned is expected to bring 42 MW of solar generation and 42 MW / 168 MWH (four-hour duration) of energy storage for the benefit of Hawaiian Electric’s customers.
Additional information about Pu`uloa Energy and Pu`uloa Solar can be found at puuloaenergy.com and puuloasolar.com, respectively.
About Ameresco, Inc.
Founded in 2000, Ameresco, Inc. (NYSE:AMRC) is a leading cleantech integrator and renewable energy asset developer, owner and operator. Our comprehensive portfolio includes solutions that help customers decarbonize to net zero and build energy resiliency while leveraging smart, connected technologies. From implementing energy efficiency and infrastructure upgrades to developing, constructing, and operating distributed energy resources – we are a trusted sustainability partner. Ameresco has successfully completed energy saving, environmentally responsible projects with Federal, state and local governments, healthcare and educational institutions, housing authorities, and commercial and industrial customers. With its corporate headquarters in Framingham, MA, Ameresco has more than 1,300 employees providing local expertise in North America and Europe. For more information, visit www.ameresco.com.
The announcement of the development of an asset by Ameresco is not necessarily indicative of the timing or amount of revenue from such asset, of the company’s overall revenue for any particular period or of trends in the company’s overall total assets in development or operation. This project was not included in our previously reported assets in development as of September 30, 2023.
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Dec 2023: HECO 'Clean' Energy: Biodiesel and Batteries > Hawaii Free Press