What is Kapolei energy storage?

The Kapolei Energy Storage facility on Oahu. "This is a landmark milestone in the transition to clean energy," said Brandon Keefe, Plus Power's Executive Chairman. "It's the first time a battery has been used by a major utility to balance the grid: providing fast frequency response, synthetic inertia, and black start.

How many battery energy storage plants will plus power operate in 2024?

By June 2024, Plus Power aims to operate seven large-scale battery energy storage plants, totaling 1325 MW / 3500 MWh, across Arizona and Texas. Mark B. Glick, Hawai’i’s Chief Energy Officer, highlighted the project’s alignment with the state’s commitment to a cleaner, more reliable, and affordable energy system.

What does the Kes battery project mean for Oahu?

Brandon Keefe, Executive Chairman of Plus Power, hailed this achievement as a “landmark milestone in the transition to clean energy.” The KES battery project, spread across 8 acres near Honolulu, brings a total power capacity of 185 megawatts and 565 megawatt-hours of electricity, serving as an electrical “shock absorber” for Oahu’s power grid.

Are batteries coming to Oahu?

This project is a postcard from the future – batteries will soon be providing these services, at scale, on the mainland.” Located on 8 acres of industrial land on the southwest side of Oahu, the project is comprised of 158 Tesla Megapack 2 XL lithium-ferro-phosphate batteries, each about the size of a shipping container.

Will Hawaiian Electric's new battery plant save customers money?

According to Hawaiian Electric, the project will save customers money. The Hawaiian Electric filing for KES estimated it will reduce electric bills by an average of $0.28 per month over a 20-year contract life. The battery plant's specifications include:

Are Kes batteries a good investment for Hawaiian Electric?

The KES batteries play a crucial role in reducing the curtailment of renewable energy by 69%, allowing Hawaiian Electric to integrate 10% more new utility-scale renewables than previously projected. Additionally, the project is estimated to save customers money, reducing electric bills by an average of $0.28 per month over a 20-year contract life.