Harnessing the sun: KIUC project called first in nation
Posted on Mar 29, 2017 in Capitol Connection, Featured
Gov. Ige, Mayor Bernard Carvalho and Senate President Ron Kouchi gather with Tesla and KIUC officials at the blessing of a new Kaua’i solar farm.
A Kaua‘i solar farm project that uses Tesla batteries to store enough power to serve 4,500 homes during peak night hours is helping the state reach its goal of having 100 percent of its electricity come from renewable energy sources by 2045.
The Kauai Island Utility Cooperative project, working with SolarCity and Tesla Energy, is believed to be the nation’s first utility-scale system that can provide electricity from solar energy on demand — even at night.
“To date, the biggest challenge for achieving the 100 percent goal has been energy storage so electricity can be available when we need it,” said Governor Ige.“Today we’re one step closer since the plant will increase KIUC’s renewable generation to more than 40 percent.” KIUC president David Bissell emphasized the project’s importance. “We’ll reduce our use of imported fuels and greenhouse gas emissions.”