Hydroelectricity
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Small-scale, “run-of-the-river” plants provide hydroelectricity on Maui and Hawaii Island. |
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Oahu has no streams suitable for hydroelectricity. |
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Hawaii has no rivers that could drive large hydroelectric plants and major dams create severe environmental damage.
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Makila Hydro Plant
LOCATION: Lahaina, Island of Maui
ENERGY SOURCE: Run-of-river water flow
TECHNOLOGY: Hydraulic turbine generators
SYSTEM SIZE: 500 kW
POWER PURCHASE TYPE: As-available
OWNER-OPERATOR: Makila Hydro LLC
DESCRIPTION: The original hydroelectric facility on the slopes of Kauaula Ridge above Lahaina is over 75 years old. It once provided power for Pioneer Mill Company, founded in 1862 and closed in 1999. The plant then stood idle for a time. On September 22, 2006, after substantial refurbishment by Makila Hydro LLC, the plant was connected to MECO's grid providing 500 kW of renewable energy. The facility was damaged in the October 15, 2006 earthquake but returned to service in 2008.
HELCO Waiau & Puueo Hydropower
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Waiau Hydroelectric Plant
Photo copyright: Hawaiian Electric Company |
Puueo Hydroelectric Plant
Photo copyright: Hawaiian Electric Company |
LOCATION: Hilo, Hawaii (Wailuku River)
ENERGY SOURCE: Run-of-river water flow
TECHNOLOGY: Hydraulic turbine generators
SYSTEM SIZE: 1.15 MW (Waiau), 2.25 MW (Puueo)
TYPE: As-available
DESCRIPTION: HELCO owns and operates two hydroelectric facilities arranged in tandem along the lower reach of the Wailuku River near Hilo. The Waiau plant was constructed in 1920 and upgraded in 1947. The Puueo plant downstream was built in 1910 and upgraded in 1941. Penstocks (pipes that divert water to the plants) of both facilities were refurbished in 1998. Horizontal-axis, Pelton hydraulic turbines at each plant generate electricity.
HC&S Wailoa Ditch Hydropower
LOCATION: Kaheka, Paia, and Hamakua, Maui
ENERGY SOURCE: Run-of-river water flow
TECHNOLOGY: Hydraulic turbine generators
SYSTEM SIZE: 4.5 MW (Kaheka), 0.9 MW (Paia), 0.4 MW (Hamakua)
POWER PURCHASE TYPE: As-available
OWNER-OPERATOR: Hawaii Commercial & Sugar (HC&S) Maui
DESCRIPTION: HC&S operates three "run-of-river" hydroelectric facilities to produce electricity when rainfall leaves sufficient flowing water. Power from these plants is used for the sugar mill, and what is not used is sold to Maui Electric Company.
Wailuku River Hydroelectric Power Company
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Wailuku River Hydroelectric Plant
Photo copyright: Hawaiian Electric Company |
LOCATION: Hilo, Hawaii (Wailuku River)
ENERGY SOURCE: Run-of-river water flow
TECHNOLOGY: Hydraulic turbine generators
SYSTEM SIZE: 11 MW
POWER PURCHASE TYPE: As-available
DESCRIPTION: The Wailuku River Hydroelectric Power Company plant began commercial operation in 1993. It is located at the junction of the Wailuku River and the Kaloheahewa Stream. HELCO also receives power as available from smaller plants operated by the County Department of Water Supply, Wenko Energy Company, and various farms.
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