LIHU‘E — Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative and its renewable energy partner AES invite the public to a Zoom meeting to discuss the West Kauaʻi Energy Project (WKEP). The project is an innovative renewable energy project which will bring Kauaʻi to more than 80% renewable generation.
The meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 14 at 4:30 pm. Interested persons may join the meeting via this Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88043601431?pwd=RGpDaS9XMmJCdzJ2QmNFdjV3eGpzZz09
While the “Talk Story Tuesday” events were envisioned to be held on the second Tuesday of each month alternating between locations in Kekaha and Waimea, the surge in COVID cases and the prevalence of the Delta variant on Kauaʻi has necessitated the move to virtual meetings for the time being.
WKEP is a proposed pumped-storage hydropower facility coupled with solar and battery storage being undertaken by KIUC and AES. In addition to providing up to 25 percent of Kauaʻi’s power supply, the project will create economic development and agricultural opportunities for Native Hawaiians and the west side communities of Waimea and Kekaha by delivering irrigation water to lands owned by the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and the Agribusiness Development Corporation.
“WKEP will be a ‘legacy’ generation facility: expected to serve Kauaʻi’s energy needs for 100 years or more while stabilizing rates over time,” said KIUC’s President and Chief Executive Officer, David Bissell. “The unique topography of the area coupled with the existing plantation ditch and reservoir infrastructure offer the opportunity to create a renewable energy generation project that is unique in the world.”
To learn more about WKEP, visit the project website at: www.westkauaienergyproject.com. A draft environmental assessment (EA) may be viewed on the site. The comment period for the draft EA is open until Sept. 22.
Source: The Garden Island
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