Utility Scale Solar and Storage Siting: Empowering Hawai'i's Future, with Community at the Core

Monday, January 22, 2024

10:30 AM – 11:20 AM HST

Location: Stingray, Third Floor

While the process of selecting locations for energy projects is undeniably intricate, the key to achieving success in Hawai'i lies in the community and fostering community engagement early and often. This session will cover the strategies for realizing utility-scale solar and storage initiatives in the Hawai'ian landscape and the learnings based on past failures. Discover how these endeavors can not only contribute to energy independence but also harmonize with the unique needs and aspirations of Hawai'i's vibrant communities.

Moderator(s)

Samantha Ruiz (she/her/hers)

Chief of Staff, Office of Energy Justice + Equity
Department of Energy (DOE)
Washington, District of Columbia, United States

Panelist(s)

Leilani Chow

Energy Sovereignty Program Lead
Sustainable Molokai
Rebecca Dayhuff Matsushima (she/her/hers)

Vice President, Resource Procurement
Hawaiian Electric Company, Inc.
Honolulu, Hawaii, United States
Sandra Larsen

President and Market Business Leader
AES Hawaiʻi
Honolulu, Hawaii, United States
Nicola Park (she/her/hers)

Director, Hawai'i
Clearway Energy Group
Honolulu, Hawaii, United States