Kauaʻi Community College is charging up the island’s future workforce as its Electrical Installation and Maintenance (EIMT) students prepare to meet the demand of a 100% renewable energy grid.

The Kauaʻi CC EIMT class joined by faculty, staff and administrative members visited the 196-acre AES Lāwaʻi Solar and Energy Storage Project to explore future collaborations. The tour provided valuable information to Kauaʻi CC students that correlates to their education and potential opportunities in the renewable energy industry.

“Our guide explained that the farm produces about 28 megawatts of power, but what really impressed us was the massive battery system sitting quietly off to the side,” said Brandon Finlay, Kauaʻi CC student. “It can store 100 megawatt-hours of energy, meaning the sun’s power can be captured during the day and used later when people on the island need it most. The panels themselves slowly tilt throughout the day, following the sun like a whole field of metal sunflowers, which helps them capture more light. Learning that the system can act like a ‘peaker plant,’ quickly stepping in to support the grid, made us realize how advanced and important this technology is for keeping Kauaʻi powered—even after sunset.”

Renewable energy workforce

Roughly 60% of Kauaʻiʻs electricity is powered through solar panels, or photovoltaic systems, and with the Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative board of directors’ goal of reaching 100% renewable by 2033, there is an increasing need to train professionals on the island. Kauaʻi CC Applied Workforce Technology Division Chair Gordon Talbo said potential internship opportunities for students will become available as this new industry partnership is established.

“Seeing how photovoltaic systems work on a large scale helped my overall understanding,” said Emily Harrah, Kauaʻi CC student.

AES Sr. Stakeholder Relations Manager Carrice Gardner, Project Manager Cameron Haughey, O&M Manager Diedrick Nagle, and Kauaʻi CC EIMT graduate Technician Keanu Dotario facilitated the tour.