Momentum for Moloka’i Micro Power: Rural Hawaiian Island Seeks 15 Nanogrids
The Ho’Ahu Energy Cooperative in Hawaii has issued a request for proposal (RFP) for the design and construction of 15 off-grid nanogrids on the island of Moloka’i (Molokai).
Licensed contractors with experience in microgrid design and implementation are encouraged to submit proposals, which are due November 4.
The nanogrids are expected to include 4 kW of solar and 11 kWh of battery storage and will serve ‘ohanas (families) in rural parts of Moloka’i where access to reliable grid energy is limited or unavailable.
The residential nanogrids will “enhance energy independence, reduce electricity costs and ensure a resilient, sustainable future for our community,” Ho’Ahu Energy Cooperative said in the RFP.
Like microgrids, nanogrids are local, self-contained forms of energy that serve a discrete footprint. Both include power generation, controls and often energy storage. Nanogrids are typically smaller than microgrids making them quicker, easier and more affordable to deploy – especially in residential settings.
Block Energy recently installed individual nanogrids on each home in a new housing development in Tampa, Florida. In this case, Block networked the nanogrid systems together to create a larger microgrid.
“The Most Hawaiian Island”
At just 38 miles long and 10 miles wide, Moloka’i is not the largest of the Hawaiian Islands (it ranks fifth), nor is it the most popular destination for tourists. In fact, it’s one of Hawaii’s least developed islands.
Located roughly 25 miles southeast of Oahu and eight miles from the northern tip of Maui, Moloka’i is nicknamed “The Most Hawaiian Island.”
The population of roughly 8,000 is largely of native Hawaiian descent and residents are fiercely protective of their culture and rural lifestyle. Many opt for an off-grid, subsistence way of life.
While love and respect for the land and traditional practices are a main driver behind many residents’ decision to shun the grid, so too is the price of electricity.
Cost of living on Moloka’i is high and it’s exacerbated by one of the most expensive electricity rates in the country. The fossil fuels Hawaii uses to generate electricity must be imported, typically from foreign countries, and then refined and shipped to each of the state’s islands. As a result, grid electricity in Hawaii is typically 2.5 times higher than other states; on Moloka’i average rates per kWh are more than triple the national average.
An energy cooperative focused on renewables
The Ho’Ahu Energy Cooperative was formed by community advocates on Moloka’i in 2020 to empower residents to design and own renewable energy resources. It is a volunteer-run grassroots nonprofit.
The Coop’s first initiative was the design and development of two community solar and energy storage microgrid projects as part of Hawaiian Electric’s Community-Based Renewable Energy program.
The projects were designed by the community during 40 public workshop events held between 2020 and 2022. The project is awaiting approval from the Public Utility Commission.
Once approved and constructed, the microgrids are expected to provide a combined total of 2.23 MW of solar energy generation and 11.1 MWh battery energy storage capacity, lowering the energy bills of approximately 1,500 households and providing nearly 20% of the island’s energy demand.
Ho’Ahu says the microgrids will be the state’s first community-owned community solar project.
Nanogrid RFP deadline in November
The nanogrid RFP is being managed by Shake Energy Collaborative, a company that co-designs renewable energy infrastructure projects with the communities they will serve.
For additional information on project specifications, requirements and submission details click here. The deadline to submit proposals is November 4.
