Hirono Calls for Expansion of Renewable Energy Projects at Schofield Power Plant Dedication

HONOLULU— Senator Mazie K. Hirono participated in the commemoration of operations ceremony for the Schofield Barracks multi-fuel power plant and highlighted how this facility serves as an example for future Department of Defense energy projects. Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO) will operate the 50-megawatt power plant, which will serve three Army installations on Oahu and neighboring communities.

“The Schofield Generating Station can and should be a model for the rest of the country, particularly in places like Hawaii that have high energy costs,” Senator Hirono said. “This project will increase the reliability and resilience of Oahu’s electric grid for both military and civilian communities, while also contributing to Hawaii’s 100% renewable energy goal. As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I’m proud that this project is being used as an example for future energy cooperative agreements.”

In the Fiscal Year 2019 National Defense Authorization Act, Senator Hirono included several provisions that allow the Department of Defense to increase energy resilience and conservation projects, and encourage the Department of Defense to work with the private sector to finance and accelerate energy resilience project development on military installations. The bill language reflects the Senate Armed Services Committee’s strong support for the Schofield Generating Station.

Senator Hirono also advocated for a number of directives to fund energy-related programs across the Defense Department, such as the Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program, the Environmental Security Technology Certification Program, the Operational Energy Capability Improvement Fund, the Energy Resilience and Conservation Investment Program, and the Department of Defense Siting Clearinghouse.