Ground Blessings Mark Start of Oahu and Kauai Microgrid Projects Supporting Hawaii’s Clean Energy Future

Saturday November 7, 2026
Project partners gather at the Honolulu base yard for the Oahu Microgrid project ground blessing.

Hensel Phelps recently joined Sustainability Partners and the Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) for the ground blessings of the Oahu and Kauai Microgrid projects, marking the start of construction on renewable energy infrastructure that supports Hawaii’s clean energy future. The projects are part of a statewide effort to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, expand electric vehicle charging infrastructure and strengthen energy resilience across the Hawaiian Islands.

Oahu Microgrid Project Brings Solar Power, Battery Storage and EV Charging to Honolulu

Located at HDOT’s active Honolulu base yard, the Oahu Microgrid project will deliver a 1-megawatt microgrid featuring large-scale battery energy storage, 41 electric vehicle charging stations and 570 photovoltaic solar panels rated at 580 watts each. The project will provide reliable onsite renewable energy, support HDOT’s growing electric vehicle fleet and enhance operational resilience at a critical transportation facility.

Project representatives turn soil during the ceremonial groundbreaking for the Oahu Microgrid project.
Project partners stand beneath a Hensel Phelps tent during the Oahu Microgrid project ground blessing.
A ceremonial leader conducts a traditional blessing with project representatives at the Oahu Microgrid site.

Kauai Microgrid Project Brings Solar Power, Battery Storage and EV Charging to Lihue

Located at HDOT’s active Lihue base yard, the Kauai Microgrid project will deliver a 1-megawatt microgrid featuring large-scale battery energy storage, eight electric vehicle charging stations and 290 photovoltaic solar panels rated at 580 watts each. Like its Oahu counterpart, the project will strengthen energy reliability while supporting HDOT’s transition toward cleaner and more sustainable transportation operations.

Project partners gather at the Lihue base yard for the Kauai Microgrid project ground blessing.
Two project team members prepare a ceremonial object during the Kauai Microgrid project ground blessing.
Project partners gather in a circle during the blessing ceremony at the Kauai Microgrid project site.
Participants hold their hands beneath a conch shell during the Kauai Microgrid project blessing ceremony.

Advancing Hawaii’s Sustainability and Electrification Goals

Together, the Oahu and Kauai Microgrid projects will provide reliable renewable energy, support fleet electrification and improve the resilience of critical state transportation facilities. The projects represent an important step toward Hawaii’s long-term goals for clean energy adoption, greenhouse gas reduction and sustainable infrastructure investment.

Design-Build Team Delivers Innovative Energy Solutions for Hawaii

As part of the statewide Sustainability Partners Program, Hensel Phelps is delivering both microgrid projects through a collaborative design-build approach in partnership with Group 70, Stantec and Wasa Electrical Services. The projects are among several renewable energy and transportation electrification initiatives underway across Hawaii, helping create a more sustainable and resilient future for communities throughout the state.

As demand for reliable, resilient energy infrastructure grows, Hensel Phelps is helping clients deliver solutions that support their long-term goals. Explore our power and energy projects to learn more.