Hawaiian electric companies have formally begun the search for new, grid-scale renewable energy projects for Oahu, Maui, and Hawaii Island.

Qualifying proposals may be submitted through April 30, 2018, with a selection of developers and contract negotiations expected in September.

The companies are seeking the largest amount of variable renewable resources ever to be developed at one time in Hawaii, including:

220 MW for Oahu

60 MW for the island of Maui

20 MW for Hawaii Island

Developers have the option to include energy storage in their bids.

This is the first stage of a proposed two-stage process, targeting renewable resources to be added through 2022 so developers can take advantage of federal investment tax credits, lowering costs for customers.

In February, the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) approved the companies’ proposed process, enabling the execution of the five-year action plan for more renewable generation described in their Power Supply Improvement Plan.

The requests for proposals and additional information can be found here.