The high cost of electricity in Hawai‘i, resulting from the geographic isolations of the islands’ electricity grids and widespread use of petroleum to generate electricity, has led to the rapid growth of renewable generation on all the islands. This isolation make Hawai‘i’s electricity grids particularly susceptible to the adverse effects of these intermittent renewable energy sources, but also an ideal test bed for solutions.
Grid System Analysis
The integration of variable renewable energy into a utility grid system is a key component of moving toward a more sustainable future. To support this effort, HNEI has produced a broad set of studies that evaluate and test the impacts of incorporation of solar and wind energy, the potential of storage options, the effect of stability and reliability on the grid, and the challenges of implementation.
Grid Technology: Development and Demonstration
HNEI is conducting research, development, and demonstration of new technologies to increase renewable energy integration onto the grid and assist in increasing controllability and grid stability. Efforts include a wide range of testing and demonstration projects for smart and micro grid systems, validation of control algorithms, use of a battery energy storage system, and developing solar forecasting methods.
