Canadian-based Innergex Renewable Energy, whose South Maui project is caught in a contested case proceeding, revealed that it is one of three Maui solar/battery projects selected in the latest round of request for proposals for renewable energy.

Innergex actually had two projects in Hawaii chosen as part of the latest Hawaiian Electric selection process, with the other project on Oahu. The Maui project is a 20 megawatt solar project with 80 megawatt hours of battery storage; the Oahu project is 15 MW solar generation, 60 MWh battery storage.

Both projects have a proposed commercial operation date of 2023.

Innergex’s news release Tuesday did not specify a location for the Maui project. There were no replies to emails sent to company officials Tuesday requesting more information.

“We look forward to continuing to engage with local communities where these future sites are proposed, introduce our team and provide information about the projects,” said Michel Letellier, president and CEO of Innergex.

Innergex’s Paeahu Solar project on 200 acres of Ulupalakua Ranch land above South Maui has run into resistance from neighboring residents. It is a 15 MW solar/60 MWh battery project that is supposed to come online June 2022.

A coalition of Maui Meadows and Kihei residents have complained about archaeological, drainage and endangered species protection issues, as well as the prospect of nearby homes being heated by the array of solar panels. They also are concerned about the price being paid by Hawaiian Electric for the power — 11.68 cents per kilowatt hour — which is higher than five other solar-plus-battery projects approved in the earlier wave of renewable energy proposals. The other Maui project approved in that first round of proposals was Kuihelani Solar, which will sell power to the utility for 8 cents a kWh.

The Public Utilities Commission held a contested case hearing in December on Paeahu Solar and currently is deliberating the fate of the complaint and the project.

On the new project, Innergex and all other renewable energy developers in the current round of proposals will be negotiating a 25-year power purchase agreement with Hawaiian Electric.

Innergex is a renewable power producer that acquires, owns and operates hydroelectric facilities and wind and solar farms.

Hawaiian Electric announced Monday that three solar-plus-storage projects and one standalone storage project totaling 100 MW of power generation and 560 MW of battery storage for Maui were selected in the latest round of renewable energy proposals.

The utility did not disclose the developers, size or where the projects would be located. Hawaiian Electric said that information would be made public in 30 days or sooner if developers plan to start community engagement immediately.

Hawaiian Electric has proposed a “self build” 40 MW, 160 MWh battery storage system near the Central Maui Landfill in Pulehu, which the utility mentioned in its announcement Monday. It is not clear if the project was chosen.

All power purchase agreements have to be approved by the PUC.

* Lee Imada can be reached at leeimada@mauinews.com.