Renewable Energy Technology Assessments - Kauai Island Utility ...

Kaua’i Island Utility Cooperative
Renewable Energy Technology Assessments 8.0 Hydro
were summarized by the State of Hawaii in a 1981 report. 81 Later, the US Department of
Energy began a database of potential hydropower projects that currently includes eight
new projects, some which were earlier identified by the Corps. 82 In fact, several of the
proposed projects were variations of one another based on differing diversion points often
within existing complex irrigation schemes such as in the Wailua and Kokee areas.
Of these 49 projects, a total of five projects (three new and two upgrade) were
selected based on the frequency of mention, freedom from prohibitive environmental
issues, and relatively high energy production based on cost. One of the projects (Kokee)
has two powerhouses, resulting in six total sites. All of these projects are run-of-river or
run-of-ditch, although some involve the use of existing reservoirs currently not
generating hydropower. The location of these projects is shown in Figure 8-4. The five
selected projects are listed in Table 8-1.
Kokee
7.0 MW
Mauka
2.9 MW
Wainiha
4.0 MW
Upper Lihue
0.3 MW
Wailua
6.6 MW
Figure 8-4. Map of Selected Hydropower Projects.
81 W.A. Hirai & Associates, Hydroelectric Power in Hawaii: A Reconnaissance Survey, prepared for State
Department of Planning and Economic Development, February 1981.
82 U.S. Department of Energy, Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory, Hydropower
Resource Economics Database, Public Version, April 28, 2003.
21 March 2005 8-7 Black & Veatch