Hawaii Begins Construction on Resilient Microgrid Infrastructure

The projects, spearheaded by the Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) alongside Sustainability Partners and Hensel Phelps, utilize intelligent microgrid controls to manage energy generation and storage. Combined, the sites will produce 2.2 MWh of renewable energy daily, supported by a pair of 1 MW battery energy storage systems. HDOT Director Ed Sniffen emphasized that these installations are vital for maintaining operational security during multi-day blackouts.

On Oʻahu, the Kakoi Street facility will feature a 1 MW battery system and solar arrays generating 1.5 MWh per day, paired with over 40 Level 2 chargers and a 200 kW DC fast charger. The Kauaʻi site on Haleukana Street is designed for 700 kWh of daily generation with 12 Level 2 chargers and a matching fast-charging unit. Both locations employ Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure technology to coordinate onsite energy resources and manage grid interaction.

Arnold Albiar, Managing Partner at Sustainability Partners, noted that the construction follows years of engineering coordination. The work represents a broader push to modernize state infrastructure and transition toward a low-carbon energy model. Construction officially commenced following traditional Hawaiian blessing ceremonies, which officials described as a vital sign of respect for the land and the communities served by the new energy systems.