Hawaiian Electric’s battery energy storage project on Maui has achieved a significant milestone with the installation of its first six Tesla Megapacks. Located along Pūlehu Road in Central Maui, this Waena Battery Energy Storage System represents the island’s first standalone load-shifting storage system, part of HECO’s commitment to renewable energy.
Once completed, the system will address periods of high energy demand by storing and supplying electricity generated from solar and wind sources, primarily during the day for use at night. Each battery unit, comparable in size to a 40-foot shipping container, was delivered by truck and positioned with a crane.
Approved by the Public Utilities Commission in 2023, this initiative aims to help Hawaii reach its goal of 100% renewable electricity by 2045. Currently, about 41% of Maui County’s electricity is generated from renewable sources, supported by over 18,000 customer solar systems. The project will also feature grid-forming technology to ensure stability as the island transitions to diverse energy sources.
“This project has been years in the making, and seeing the batteries arrive on site brings us one step closer to providing Maui with a more renewable electric grid,” said Shelley Takasato, manager of Generation Project Development for Hawaiian Electric. Additional batteries will arrive as construction progresses, with the project expected to be operational by 2027.
