Overview
Hu Honua Bioenergy Facility Substation, operated by Hawaiian Electric Company, is a 69 kV substation in Hawaii, United States. It supports grid stability for the island's electrical infrastructure.
Hu Honua Bioenergy Facility Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Hawaii, United States, near the coordinates 19.842749, -155.088513. Owned and operated by Hawaiian Electric Company, this facility operates at a voltage level of 69 kV, placing it in the medium-voltage range typical for distribution and sub-transmission substations serving local industrial or community loads. The substation operates under the regulatory framework of the United States, which includes NERC reliability standards for grid stability and FERC oversight for transmission-level assets. As part of the Hawaiian Electric grid, it adheres to state-specific reliability requirements for island grids, which face unique challenges due to isolation and renewable integration. The 69 kV voltage level suggests it serves as a step-down or distribution substation, likely connecting the bioenergy facility to the broader grid. Environmentally, the substation plays a key role in integrating renewable energy from the Hu Honua bioenergy facility into Hawaii's grid, supporting the state's goal of 100% renewable energy by 2045. Its location on the Big Island contributes to local energy resilience, reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels. The facility's operational status ensures continued support for grid stability and community power supply.
Environmental context
The substation is located on the Big Island of Hawaii, a region with active volcanic geology and a tropical climate. Its role in connecting a bioenergy facility to the grid supports renewable energy integration, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The 69 kV voltage level indicates moderate infrastructure scale, with potential impacts on local land use and visual aesthetics, typical for rural substations.
Frequently asked questions
Hu Honua Bioenergy Facility Substation is located in Hawaii, United States, near the coordinates 19.842749, -155.088513 on the Big Island.
The substation operates at a voltage of 69 kV, which is typical for distribution and sub-transmission substations in the United States.
The substation is owned and operated by Hawaiian Electric Company, the primary electric utility serving the Hawaiian Islands.
As part of the US electrical grid, the substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations for transmission-level assets, as well as state-specific requirements for Hawaii's island grid.
The substation connects the Hu Honua bioenergy facility to the grid, facilitating the integration of renewable biomass energy into Hawaii's power system, which aligns with the state's renewable energy goals.