AES Hawaiʻi has donated nearly $55,000 to the University of Hawaiʻi Foundation to endow a scholarship for students at the University of Hawaii at West Oʻahu interested in pursuing careers in sustainability and climate solutions. The donation celebrates AES Hawaiʻi’s West Oʻahu Solar plus Storage project near the campus, which begins operations later this year. This project will provide 12.5 MWac solar photovoltaic power + 50 MWh of battery energy storage capacity to Hawaiian Electric Company’s grid.
The AES Hawaiʻi West Oʻahu Solar Endowed Scholarship supports students at UH 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 gift complements the company’s West Oʻahu Solar Plus Storage Project, which will help the UH West Oʻahu campus meet its mandate to become a net-zero emissions campus by 2035. The solar project is located on 66 acres of mauka land leased from UH West Oʻahu and will provide a new revenue stream to support higher education at the UH West Oʻahu campus. It also demonstrates how solar and sustainable agricultural land uses can co-exist, as the same land will also be used for cattle grazing and beekeeping.
“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 UH West Oʻahu Chancellor Maenette Benham. “We’re grateful for contributions AES Hawaiʻi has made to building a sustainable future for our UH West Oʻahu community.”
The endowed scholarship strengthens AES Hawaiʻi’s long relationship with the University of Hawaiʻi and creates a path forward for future generations of energy and climate leaders.
Sandra Larsen, AES Hawai‘i Market Business Leader, noted the scholarship’s importance in helping to develop Hawai‘i’s energy leaders of tomorrow. “We are proud to support the educational commitment of UH West O‘ahu with this endowed scholarship that will inspire college students each year to make a lasting impact in leading Hawai‘i’s sustainability future. Promoting education and protecting the environment are two major areas of focus for AES Hawai‘i. This partnership with UH West O‘ahu and the impending launch of our West O‘ahu solar facility exemplifies our dedication to doing what’s best in the communities where we operate.”
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The University of Hawai‘i Foundation, a nonprofit organization, raises private funds to support the University of Hawai‘i System. The mission of the University of Hawai‘i Foundation is to unite donors’ passions with the University of Hawai‘i’s aspirations by raising philanthropic support and managing private investments to benefit UH, the people of Hawai‘i and our future generations. uhfoundation.org
The AES Corporation (NYSE: AES) is a Fortune 500 global energy company accelerating the future of energy. Together with our many stakeholders, we’re improving lives by delivering the greener, smarter energy solutions the world needs. Our diverse workforce is committed to continuous innovation and operational excellence, while partnering with our customers on their strategic energy transitions and continuing to meet their energy needs today. aeshawaiienergy.com
