Hawaii Lithium-Ion Battery Farm Proposals

Hawaii Public Utilities Commission is encouraging lithium-ion battery farm proposals from large-scale independents, in a push for 100% renewable energy. Some of these tenders affect rural communities relying on plantation agriculture. The August 2023 Lahaina wild fires are still upward in their minds. Therefore, it stands to reason they will ask questions about lithium-ion battery fire precautions.

Local Media Query Lithium-Ion Battery Farm Safety

Local web media Honolulu Civil Beat has a few questions for Hawaii Public Utilities Commission, and their utility Hawaiian Electric. Their reporter has not forgotten the August 2012 fire at Kahuku Wind Farm in Oahu, Hawaii. There, an energy storage building caught fire, and burned for three days before burning itself out.

Therefore, Honolulu Civil Beat calls for, “extensive community engagement, enhanced safety, and reinforced resilience against natural disasters” when assessing proposals. In fact, they go as far as proposing suspending the entire process until, “community groups have intervened and offered their input”.

That Sounds Radical. Why Is This Happening Now?

The Hawaii drive towards 100% renewable energy initially called for lithium-ion battery farm proposals in 2017. Early stage projects are apparently either functioning, abandoned, or still in progress. The sharper focus on new proposals follows the 2023 Lahaina wild fires, which exposed gaps in the regulatory framework according to Honolulu Civil Beat.

These shortfalls appear to include transfer of liability to independent power producers, and whether authorities have the right to enforce safety measures. These may, or may not include vegetation management plans, fire suppression tactics, etc. at IPP sites.

Honolulu Civil Beat is concerned that some companies submitting lithium-ion battery farm proposals may be, “woefully unprepared to manage any fire-related incidents that may arise on their project sites”. A recent public hearing into one proposal, apparently asked the developer how they would respond to transmission or storage battery fires.

Honolulu Civil Beat says the developer stated that they would “remotely monitor” the fire, and allow it to “naturally burn out.” They were unable to specify suitable fire suppression equipment, of even the nearest water source. Their apparent lack of preparedness could raise concerns in any community similarly affected.