Business Wire·Jul 17, 2026, 11:29 PM ET

Hawaiian Electric Seeks to Expand Renewables, Energy Storage on Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi Island and Maui

Hawaiian Electric submitted an Integrated Grid Planning Request for Proposals to seek competitively priced renewable energy & storage for O'ahu, Hawai'i Island, & Maui.
The solicitation represents one of the state's largest energy procurements, aiming for nearly 1,650 GWh of variable renewable energy, 465 MW of grid-forming resources, & 111 MW of firm capacity.
Projects are targeted to be in service between 2031 & 2034 to advance the state's 2045 goal of 100% renewable power generation.
The company proposes accelerating the retirement of aging power plants by adding modern firm generation capable of 24/7 operation.
An expedited regulatory approval is being sought to expand fuel-flexible firm generation procurement on O'ahu by up to an additional 500 MW.
A separate request for proposals covering all fuels, including liquid & gaseous options, will be launched by the end of 2026.
O'ahu accounts for over 70% of Hawaii's electricity generation, with demand growing at its fastest pace in two decades.
Hawaiian Electric remains open to liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a potential option if it delivers value through a transparent & rigorous Public Utilities Commission evaluation.
A Japan-based energy conglomerate has proposed building a major LNG-fueled power plant on O'ahu outside the standard competitive bidding structure.
If the Public Utilities Commission expands the procurement scope, the conglomerate's project may be considered within the overall resource portfolio.
The deadline for submittal of the RFP solicitation is today, July 17, 2026.