Hawaiian Electric has invited RFPs for new power generation and firming infrastructure
It covers renewable energy, grid-forming resources and firm capacity across the two islands of Oʻahu and Hawaiʻi
Interested developers have until January 22, 2027, to submit their proposals
Hawaiian Electric has opened a competitive request for proposals (RFP) for renewable energy generation and energy storage on the islands of Oʻahu and Hawaiʻi after the Hawaiʻi Public Utilities Commission (PUC) approved the procurement.
The largest electric utility in Hawai‘i had outlined plans to launch one of the state’s largest energy procurements for renewable energy, battery storage, and firm generation in July 2026 (see Hawaiian Electric Plans Major Renewables, Storage RFP).
The RFP, issued August 7, 2026, seeks nearly 1,650 GWh of variable renewable energy such as solar and wind, 465 MW of grid-forming resources (including solar-plus-battery storage), and 111 MW of firm generating capacity across the two islands. The resources are targeted for service between 2031 and 2034.
For Oʻahu, Hawaiian Electric is seeking 750 GWh of renewable electricity annually and 350 MW of grid-forming capacity, with projects required to reach commercial operation no later than November 1, 2031. The procurement also seeks up to 81 MW of firm capacity by December 1, 2034.
On Hawaiʻi Island, the RFP seeks 435 GWh of renewable electricity annually and up to 115 MW of grid-forming capacity, also with a November 1, 2031, commercial operation deadline. It additionally seeks up to 30 MW of firm capacity by December 1, 2033.
The RFP allows several project structures, including standalone energy storage, renewable generation paired with storage, co-located storage and generation, and firm generation projects. Existing fossil fuel projects that convert to a renewable source are also invited.
Hawaiian Electric President Shelee Kimura said the company expects strong developer interest and described competitive bidding as a way to evaluate projects while protecting customers' interests. Kimura added, “Collectively these projects comprise one of Hawaiʻi’s largest-ever energy procurements and will make significant progress toward stabilizing customer bills and achieving the state’s decarbonization goals.”
The company said the procurement is intended to support grid reliability, expand large-scale renewable energy and help stabilize electricity rates. It also plans to accelerate the retirement of aging power plants by adding firm generation that can operate when variable renewable resources are unavailable.
The RFP is the first in a series of rolling procurements. The document says later rounds are expected to be issued about 14 months after the previous RFP.
The main proposal deadline for independent power producers (IPPs) is January 22, 2027. Hawaiian Electric and affiliate proposals are due one day earlier. Details are available on its website.
