AES Hawaii Coal Power Plant | Hawaii, United States

AES Hawaii is a coal-fired power generation facility located in Hawaii, United States. With a capacity of 203 MW, it is a medium-scale plant within the U.S. power generation sector. The plant is owned by AES Hawaii LLC and is currently operational, serving the energy needs of the Hawaiian Islands. The plant operates under the regulatory framework of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), including the Clean Air Act (CAA) and its associated programs such as the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), the Acid Rain Program, and the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR). As a coal-fired facility, it utilizes conventional combustion technology typical of plants built in the late 20th century. AES Hawaii plays a significant role in the local grid, providing baseload power to the island of Oahu. Its location near populated areas necessitates stringent emission controls to minimize environmental impact. The plant's operation contributes to the state's energy mix, which is transitioning toward renewable sources, highlighting the facility's role in the evolving energy landscape.

As a coal-fired power plant, AES Hawaii's environmental context includes emissions of CO2, SOx, and NOx, which are regulated under the Clean Air Act. The plant's proximity to populated areas on Oahu requires compliance with local air quality standards. Its age and technology (subcritical) contribute to a higher carbon footprint compared to modern natural gas or renewable facilities. The plant's capacity of 203 MW places it in a medium-scale category, with environmental impacts proportional to its output.