Plus Power, the transmission-connected battery storage systems developer, has officially launched operations at its Kapolei Energy Storage facility in Oahu, Hawaii.
Notably, Tesla’s Megapacks power the system, essentially replacing the state’s last coal plant.
Kapolei Energy Storage project
The Kapolei Energy Storage project is currently acknowledged as the “most advanced grid-scale battery energy storage system” in the world.
Plus Power erected the facility on the industrial west side of Oahu, featuring an enormous 85MW/565MWh Tesla Megapack system. Interestingly, the Megapacks use lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery cell chemistry.
Interestingly, the Tesla Megapacks arrived late in September 2022, along with Hawaii’s last coal shipment for its last coal plant, which closed around the same period.
Its arrival indeed took a while than expected. Finally, Plus Power announced the major energy storage project’s official launch.
“Plus Power announced it has begun operating its Kapolei Energy Storage facility on Oahu, Hawaii, the most advanced grid-scale battery energy storage system in the world, helping transition the state’s electric power from coal and oil to solar and wind.”
Plus Power (via PR Newswire)
Major milestone
The project’s 158 Tesla Megapack 2 XL battery units will support load shifting and fast-frequency response services on the Hawaii Electric grid.
In effect, it will allow for more efficient utilization of the state’s growing renewable energy resources. Moreover, it also marks the first time a battery will aid in balancing the electrical grid.
“This is a landmark milestone in the transition to clean energy. It’s the first time a battery has been used by a major utility to balance the grid: providing fast frequency response, synthetic inertia, and black start. This project is a postcard from the future — batteries will soon be providing these services, at scale, on the mainland.”
Brandon Keefe, Plus Power’s Executive Chairman
Hawaii’s target
Hawaii set a target of achieving 100% green energy adoption by 2045. As of now, it already advanced as the leading state with the highest amount of solar capacity deployment per capita.
However, the state must balance it with the necessary energy storage capacity to manage all its renewable energy efficiently.
Fortunately, Tesla has been aiding the state in its goal by rolling out its battery products there for years. For instance, it partnered with Hawaiian Electric on major battery systems development and a virtual power plant with its Powerwalls.
On the other hand, Plus Power plans to launch seven large-scale battery energy storage plants throughout Arizona and Texas by June 2024 with an overall capacity of 1325 MW/3500 MWh.
