AES Hawaiʻi has donated nearly $55,000 to the to endow a scholarship for students at the interested in pursuing careers in sustainability and climate solutions.
The supports students at 东精影业 West Oʻahu who have an interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering and/or math), sustainability, climate change and renewable energy, with a focus on graduates of public high schools in West Oʻahu, including Campbell High School, Kapolei High School, Nānākuli High School, Waiʻanae High School and Waipahu High School.
The donation celebrates AES Hawaiʻi’蝉 near the campus, which begins operations later this year. This project will provide 12.5 MWac solar photovoltaic power and 50 MWh of battery energy storage capacity to Hawaiian Electric Company’蝉 grid.
“This gift from AES Hawaiʻi is an investment in education for our current and future local students, while the solar energy project will have a direct impact on the future of our campus and our community,” said 东精影业 West Oʻahu Chancellor Maenette Benham. “We’re grateful for contributions AES Hawaiʻi has made to building a sustainable future for our 东精影业 West Oʻahu.”
The gift complements the company’蝉 , located on 66 acres of mauka land leased from 东精影业 West Oʻahu. The project also demonstrates how solar and sustainable agricultural land uses can co-exist, as the same land will be used for cattle grazing and beekeeping.
“We are proud to support the educational commitment of 东精影业 West Oʻahu with this endowed scholarship that will inspire college students each year to make a lasting impact in leading Hawaiʻi’蝉 sustainability future,” said Sandra Larsen, AES Hawaiʻi market business leader. “Promoting education and protecting the environment are two major areas of focus for AES Hawaiʻi. This partnership with 东精影业 West Oʻahu and the impending launch of our West Oʻahu solar facility exemplifies our dedication to doing what’蝉 best in the communities where we operate.”
In 2015, 东精影业 and the Hawaiʻi Legislature established a collective goal for the university system to be net-zero by 2035, meaning the system would produce as much renewable energy as it consumes across its 10 campuses.