State’s Largest Concentrating Solar Power Project Celebrates Ground Blessing on Hawaiian Homelands

HONOLULU – A ground blessing ceremony was held today in Kalaeloa, O‘ahu for the largest Micro-scaled Concentrating Solar Power (MicroCSP) project in the State of Hawai‘i. The Kalaeloa Solar One project will produce 5 megawatts of renewable energy for the island of Oahu. Earlier this year, Keahole Solar Power (KSP) partnered with the State Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) to lease land in Kalaeloa to establish a home base for this project.

“Today’s ground blessing marks a tremendous step forward for DHHL and the State of Hawai‘i in implementing the Lingle-Aiona Administration’s Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative,” said Kaulana H.R. Park, chairman of the Hawaiian Homes Commission.

“This project not only supplies clean renewable energy for Hawai‘i, but also helps our native Hawaiian beneficiaries. Our partnership with Kalaeloa Solar One and KSP will provide DHHL with rent monies which will in turn be used to build homes and fund educational programs for native Hawaiians.”

“Cost effective Concentrating Solar Power and its energy efficient storage has been proven in Hawai‘i to help reduce energy volatility solving a key problem found in most renewable systems,” said Edward Lui, independent director of KSP. “KSP is proud to bring MicroCSP to Hawai‘i, helping our home become a model for renewable energy around the world. We thank our partners, community supporters and staff in helping keep Hawai‘i green and reduce our addiction to imported oil.”

“The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands is taking the lead in creating sustainable, energy efficient communities for native Hawaiians and our entire community,” said Governor Linda Lingle. “This partnership with Keahole Solar Power will utilize leading
edge technology developed by a local company that will further position Hawai‘i as a world leader in clean energy.”

“We are making significant progress in transforming Hawai‘i into a true leader for clean and sustainable energy,” said Lt. Governor Aiona. “This innovative and collaborative program with the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and Keahole Solar Power is
contributing to Hawaii’s long-term clean energy economy.”

The Kalaeloa Solar One’s MicroCSP technology uses mirrored reflectors and optics to intensify solar energy, which in turn increases the system’s energy efficiency. The solar panels track the sun throughout the day which increases the amount of energy the
system produces annually and the system includes thermal storage which enables energy to be produced during cloudy conditions or at night.

The project is estimated for completion by the third quarter of 2011.

Submitted by the Department of Hawaiian Homelands