Innergex Renewable Energy has just flipped the switch on a significant solar-plus-storage project in Hawaii, while also making strides in the agrivoltaic sector in France. The Hale Kuawehi Solar and Battery Storage Project, now operational in Waimea, Hawaii, is a testament to the growing synergy between renewable energy and energy storage. This 30 MW solar project, paired with a 30 MW/120 MWh battery storage system, is not just about generating clean energy; it’s about creating a resilient and reliable grid. By integrating storage, Innergex is tackling one of the most significant challenges in renewable energy: intermittency. This project, supplying power to the Hawaiian Electric grid, is a clear signal that the future of energy is not just renewable but also smart and adaptive.
Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, Innergex is pioneering agrivoltaics in France. The two 32 MW solar projects in Joux-la-Ville, part of the Grenier des Essences portfolio, are the company’s first foray into this innovative field in the country. Agrivoltaics, the co-location of solar panels and agriculture, is more than just a trend; it’s a paradigm shift. It’s about creating a symbiotic relationship between energy production and food production, a concept that could revolutionize how we think about land use. Innergex’s collaboration with local farmers and government officials to foster the growth of aromatic and medicinal plants is a blueprint for how renewable energy projects can drive agricultural innovation.
The French projects, expected to be commissioned in 2027, will sell electricity under a 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA). This long-term commitment is a vote of confidence in the future of renewable energy and agrivoltaics. It’s also a significant step for Innergex, which is rapidly expanding its global footprint. The company’s portfolio now includes 90 operating facilities with an aggregate net installed capacity of 3,707 MW, and it has a robust pipeline of projects under development.
The Hale Kuawehi project in Hawaii is the second solar-plus-storage installation on the island, and it’s already making waves. “This project has multiple benefits for our customers on Hawai’i Island,” said Colton Ching, Hawaiian Electric’s senior vice president for planning and technology. “It supplies clean, renewable energy, strengthens the grid, and stabilizes electricity costs.” This project, with its 25-year PPA, is a game-changer. It’s not just about reducing carbon emissions; it’s about creating a stable and predictable energy cost structure, insulating consumers from volatile fossil fuel prices.
Innergex’s projects in Hawaii and France are more than just energy developments; they’re catalysts for change. They’re pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in renewable energy and agrivoltaics. They’re challenging the status quo and sparking debate about how we can create a more sustainable and resilient energy future. As Michel Letellier, president and CEO of Innergex, put it, “These projects represent a significant step forward for Innergex in France and a promising model for the future of our development activities.” The future of energy is here, and it’s looking bright.
