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ASSOCIATED PRESS
This 2015 photo provided by Northwest Energy Innovations shows the Azura wave energy device, which is converting the movement of waves into electricity at the Navy’s Wave Energy Test Site at the Marine Corps base at Kaneohe Bay on Oahu in Hawaii. By some estimates, the ocean’s endless motion packs enough power to meet a quarter of America’s energy needs and dramatically reduce the nation’s reliance on oil, gas and coal. But wave energy technology lags well behind wind and solar power.
HONOLULU » A Hawaii utility is spending the next two years evaluating safety and efficacy of its largest battery intended to put boost renewable energy sent to Oahu’s power grid.
The Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported earlier that (http://bit.ly/2cVglXl) the one-megawatt battery is from Wyoming-based Altairnano.
Shelee Kimura of Hawaiian Electric Co. said in a statement that the battery will push the state closer to its 100 percent renewable energy goal.
She said total renewable energy consumption depends on bringing power generated from the sun to customers whose electricity use peaks at night, and smoothly transitioning power from sources like wind and solar to the grid.
Utility spokesman Peter Rosegg said the company is exploring how the battery works as well as the balance between performance and durability.
The article is about battery storage but the SA shows a picture of a wave energy device? Can’t find a picture of a battery?
Finally, Hawaii Electric is making some sense. As soon as it finds one, will they allow more rooftop solar? That is the big question.
There are many homes with roof solar and their own battery source to store their own electricity needs right now. I think that as this solar and battery storage catches on, more people will be able to benefit in savings.
Whole communities can develop their own central grid to feed off; you don’t need to depend on HECO for your electrical needs.
However, I’m glad to see HECO finally seeing the light in green energy and not having to rely on oil/gas/coal to produce electricity for their customers. It’s just a matter of time.
Looks like its far enough off shore for the Mahi Mahi and Ono to hang out.