Hawaiʻi Takes a Major Step Towards Energy Resilience with New Microgrids

On September 30, 2026, a significant milestone was achieved for the State of Hawaiʻi's Department of Transportation (HDOT), in collaboration with Sustainability Partners (SP) and Hensel Phelps, marking the commencement of construction on innovative microgrid projects in Oʻahu and Kauaʻi. These cutting-edge installations will incorporate solar photovoltaic (PV) canopies, battery energy storage systems (BESS), and electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, thus advancing the state’s clean energy aspirations and enhancing energy resilience for crucial facilities.

The Road to Resilience

August saw the ceremonial Hawaiian Blessing marking the official start of construction—an event illustrating the deep cultural ties and respect for the land and the local communities affected by these developments. Notably, the microgrids are crafted to address significant energy challenges, leveraging solar energy generation with advanced storage possibilities and smart controls to optimize power management effectively throughout HDOT establishments.

Ed Sniffen, the Director of HDOT, emphasized that these projects play a pivotal role in bolstering the resilience of Hawaiʻi's transportation infrastructure. The microgrids overall aim to produce approximately 2.2 MWh of renewable energy on a daily basis. The venture features two 1 MW battery systems dedicated to storing energy generated from these solar installations—an essential measure aimed at securing power during severe weather events or persistent outages.

Details of the Microgrid Installations

Oʻahu Microgrid
The microgrid on Oʻahu will enhance the HDOT Highways' Oʻahu District Main Office Facility located on Kakoi Street. This facility will host a 1 MW battery energy storage system alongside solar PV canopies projected to generate about 1.5 MWh of renewable energy daily. In addition, it will install more than 40 Level 2 EV chargers and one dual-port 200 kW DC fast charger. Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure™ microgrid technology will be pivotal here, integrating all components to allow proficient management of solar energy production, battery storage, EV charging, and interactions with the utility grid.

Moreover, SP aims to enroll in the Energy Export program run by Hawaiian Electric, thereby enabling the site to send surplus energy back into the electric grid, creating a two-way energy flow that benefits the wider community.

Kauaʻi Microgrid
Turning to Kauaʻi, this facility will also host a 1 MW battery energy storage system, along with solar PV canopies designed to yield around 700 kWh of renewable energy each day. It will feature more than 12 Level 2 chargers as well as one dual-port 200 kW DC fast charger. Schneider Electric’s technology will again be integral in ensuring optimal communication between various energy systems, balancing generation, storage, and electrical demands efficiently.

Conclusion

The path to initiating construction on the Oʻahu and Kauaʻi microgrids reflects years of meticulous planning and cooperative efforts between HDOT Highways, Hensel Phelps, and numerous utility partners. Arnold Albiar, Managing Partner at Sustainability Partners, articulated that these microgrid projects stand at the frontier of developing resilient and sustainable transportation systems—vital for steering Hawaiʻi towards a cleaner, low-carbon future.

Hensel Phelps leads the construction efforts, drawing on their extensive experience with energy infrastructure in Hawaiʻi. By beginning these projects with a Hawaiian Blessing, the teams signify their respect for the environment and communities impacted, reinforcing their commitment to delivering infrastructural benefits for Hawaiʻi for the long term. Sustainability Partners is defined by its mission to help various stakeholders, including states and municipalities, manage their essential infrastructures efficiently and sustainably, aiming to cultivate enduring partnerships for the future.