HONOLULU (KHON2) — A new power plant with the capability of generating energy for tens of thousands of homes is in the works at Pearl Harbor.
The plant would feed into the Oahu Energy Grid and would provide emergency military-base backup power in the case of a widespread outage.
HECO put out an RFP for ideas around the islands, and this is one of the ones that was picked up for further development. Partly because of the fact that the Navy agreed to make land available to do the project that made it a little bit more viable.”
Bill Manley, Environmental Director, Navy Region Hawaii
The project consists of redeveloping one site with a biofuel-powered plant and another with solar panels, together producing more than 140 megawatts of power, plus lithium-ion battery storage systems.
The land would be leased for up to 37-years by a contracted operator.
A draft environmental assessment said the 25-acre project will have potential “indirect visual effects” on the Pearl Harbor National Historic Landmark district.
If the project stays on its current schedule, the Navy said it could be up and running in a year-and-a-half.
The project is currently open for public comment until May 20.
Information on how to comment:
NFPAC-Receive2@navy.mil, or via U.S. mail, postmarked by May 20, 2024 to the following address:
Department of the Navy, NAVFAC Atlantic
Attention: Project Manager for the JBPHH EUL Energy EA (EV21)
6506 Hampton Boulevard
Norfolk, Virginia 23508
