Overview
Keahole Switchyard is a 69 kV substation operated by Hawaiian Electric Company in Hawaii, United States. It plays a key role in the state's electrical grid, supporting power distribution on the Big Island.
Keahole Switchyard is a substation located in Hawaii, United States, operated by Hawaiian Electric Company. The facility operates at a voltage of 69 kV, placing it in the medium-voltage range typical for distribution-level substations. As part of the Hawaiian Electric grid, it supports the island of Hawaii's power infrastructure. The substation falls under the regulatory oversight of the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for transmission-level assets and adheres to NERC reliability standards. In Hawaii, the grid is isolated and relies on a mix of renewable and fossil fuel generation, making substations like Keahole critical for maintaining stability and integrating distributed energy resources. Keahole Switchyard serves the Kailua-Kona area, contributing to the reliability of electricity supply for residential, commercial, and tourism sectors. Its location on the west coast of the Big Island places it in a region with growing solar and wind energy projects, highlighting its role in supporting Hawaii's transition to renewable energy.
Environmental context
The substation is located in a coastal area of Hawaii, a region with high solar irradiance and strong trade winds, making it suitable for renewable energy integration. The facility's 69 kV voltage level is typical for distribution networks that connect to local renewable projects. The surrounding environment includes urban and tourist developments, and the substation's operation is subject to environmental regulations aimed at minimizing electromagnetic field impacts and ensuring safe operation near populated areas.
Frequently asked questions
Keahole Switchyard is located in Hawaii, United States, near the Kailua-Kona area on the Big Island. Its coordinates are approximately 19.73 N, 156.03 W.
Keahole Switchyard operates at 69 kV (69,000 volts), which is a medium-voltage level commonly used for distribution substations in the United States.
Keahole Switchyard is operated by Hawaiian Electric Company, the primary electric utility serving the Hawaiian Islands.
Substations in the United States must comply with NERC reliability standards for grid stability and FERC regulations for transmission-level assets. Additionally, they follow IEEE and ISO/IEC 61850 standards for substation automation and protection.
As part of the Hawaiian Electric grid, Keahole Switchyard helps integrate renewable energy sources like solar and wind by connecting distributed generation to the main grid. Its 69 kV voltage level is suitable for local distribution and interconnection of renewable projects.