At Hoʻāhu Energy Cooperative Molokai, we are committed to pioneering energy solutions that foster sovereignty and justice within our rural community. Our *Microgrid Project operates in conjunction with larger utility-scale initiatives.
Through our valued partnerships with the Energy Storage for Social Equity (ESSE) Initiative, led by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) and Sandia National Laboratories under the sponsorship of the United States Department of Energy’s Office of Electricity Energy Storage Program, we are at the forefront of addressing the unique energy challenges faced by disadvantaged communities. The ESSE initiative is crafted to guide urban, rural, tribal, and indigenous communities toward greater prosperity, well-being, and resilience by incorporating energy storage solutions that counter the adverse impacts of unreliable and costly energy systems.
Our Microgrid Project is a testament to our commitment to energy equity, selecting 15 qualified ʻohana on Molokai who live off-grid to receive community-designed PV systems with battery storage. This initiative is not just about providing energy but is a step towards alleviating the economic burdens of fossil fuels and enhancing the living conditions of our community’s most vulnerable members—focusing on health, elderly care, and the welfare of children.
By integrating small-scale microgrids with larger scale renewable projects, Hoʻāhu is not only enhancing our energy infrastructure but also paving the way for a sustainable future that honors our cultural legacy and ensures our community thrives in an era of modern energy challenges.
Discover more about how Hoʻāhu is lighting the way to a brighter, more sustainable future for Molokai. Join us in our journey towards a resilient and energy-independent island.
*Microgrids are small-scale power grids that operate independently to generate electricity for a small area. Many in the industry refer to microgrids that serve a single household as “nanogrids.” Hoʻāhu use microgrids and nanogrids interchangeably for the 15 systems being deployed.