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Oʻahu's first utility-scale solar and storage plant opens as its last coal plant closes

The AES Hawaiʻi coal-fired power plant on Oʻahu is set to stop operations on Sept. 1, 2022.
Savannah Harriman-Pote
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HPR
The AES Hawaiʻi coal-fired power plant on Oʻahu is set to stop operations on Sept. 1, 2022.

Hawaiʻi’s only coal-fired power plant is set to end operations by Sept. 1 after three decades of use. There are concerns about delayed large renewable energy projects, which leave residents on the hook for higher energy costs. But just what is behind those delays?

The Conversation checked in on the state of Hawaiʻi's many large-scale solar projects. Nine solar and storage projects in development on Oʻahu have power purchase agreements with Hawaiian Electric. Seven of those are behind on their timelines. Meanwhile, Clearway Energy Group just opened Oʻahu's first utility-scale solar and storage plant in Mililani.

This interview aired on The Conversationon Aug. 18, 2022. The Conversation airs weekdays at 11 a.m. on HPR-1.

Savannah Harriman-Pote is the energy and climate change reporter. She is also the lead producer of HPR's "This Is Our Hawaiʻi" podcast. Contact her at sharrimanpote@hawaiipublicradio.org.
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