Distributed Generation, Regulation, Solar, Sourcing Renewables  -  December 23, 2021

Parker Ranch PPA Approved by PUC

The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) approved a 25-year PPA between Parker Ranch, Inc., its renewable energy subsidiary Paniolo Power Company LLC, and Canada-based Innergex Renewable Energy Inc.

The Hale Kuawehi Solar Project will supply 30MW or the equivalent of approximately 15,000 households with renewable energy. 

The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) approved the PPA that was signed with Innergex in 2019 to deliver electricity to Hawaiian Electric from the project at $0.08/kWh. 

The project will be one of the first utility-scale solar farms on the Island of Hawaii and advancing the statewide goal to produce 100% of our electricity from renewable energy sources by 2045. 

The project will also generate nearly 20% of the Island of Hawaii's baseload electricity requirements, resulting in avoided fossil fuel consumption of over 500,000 barrels of oil over 25 years.

Parker Ranch, a cattle ranch, will partner with Innergex on the project, which is anticipated to break ground in early 2022 with a commercial operation date slated for the end of 2022. The Hale Kuawehi solar and battery storage facility will consist of 30MW AC of photovoltaic panels on single-axis trackers plus 120MWh of battery energy storage across approximately 300-acres, located near Parker Ranch's industrial park, off of Mamalahoa Highway.

"We are pleased to be working with Innergex to bring more renewable energy online for the Island and the State. This project aligns with our mission to support our Beneficiaries and improve the quality of life in our community," said Dutch Kuyper, president and CEO of Parker Ranch Inc. in a statement. "We look forward to sharing plans on additional renewable energy and sustainability initiatives that will further reduce fossil fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, helping to address the threats of climate change."