SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawai’i — In a show of unified commitment to energy security and sustainable practices, U.S. Army Garrison Hawai’i and Hawaiian Electric (HECO) joined forces to highlight the capabilities of the Schofield Generating Station (SGS). Featured on KHON2’s “Empowered Hawai’i” series, this collaboration underscores the Army’s readiness to support Hawai’i’s renewable energy goals and wide community resilience.

Col. Rachel Sullivan, commander of U.S. Army Garrison Hawai’i, Keith Yamanaka, chief of the Energy Branch for U.S. Army Garrison Hawai’i, and Mike DiCaprio, Hawaiian Electric’s vice president of Power Supply, met with “Empowered Hawai’i” hosts to discuss the 50-megawatt facility’s critical role in powering O’ahu in emergencies, utilizing sustainable biofuels (cooking oil), and reinforcing the island’s energy grid stability. The episode, scheduled to air on Nov. 26, will bring public awareness to the unique attributes of SGS and its contributions toward Hawai’i’s renewable energy vision.

“Schofield Generating Station is a unique facility, not only because of its capacity to support Schofield Barracks, Wheeler Army Airfield, and Field Station Kunia in emergencies but also because it represents a strategic partnership with Hawaiian Electric that leverages renewable energy to strengthen resilience for both the military and the local community,” said Col. Sullivan.

The facility, located on military grounds at Schofield Barracks and safeguarded from coastal threats, can generate electricity for up to seven days on its fuel supply and as long as 30 days with on-island resources. Additionally, SGS plays a crucial role in stabilizing the island’s power grid, stepping in during periods of low solar and wind production to prevent rolling blackouts and aiding recovery after outages.

Keith Yamanaka highlighted SGS’s importance, noting, “Our collaboration with Hawaiian Electric enables us to literally jumpstart other power plants on Oahu and potentially support up to 16 Army installations on O’ahu. This partnership truly amplifies our resilience capabilities, allowing us to be prepared for any crisis while supporting Hawai’i’s clean energy mission.”

Hawai‘i has set ambitious renewable energy goals under the Hawai‘i Clean Energy Initiative, aiming for 100% renewable energy in the electricity sector by 2045. SGS remains at the forefront, representing the Army’s dedication to renewable initiatives that safeguard the environment and community. With its renewable biofuel capabilities, SGS is prepared to operate independently of the grid during natural or man-made emergencies, ensuring that the Army can fulfill its mission and support O’ahu if requested.

In response to the Army’s commitment to clean energy, Mike DiCaprio, Vice President of Power Supply at Hawaiian Electric, added, “This partnership with the U.S. Army demonstrates our shared vision for a sustainable future, and we’re proud to bring renewable energy advancements to the forefront here in Hawai’i.”

The Schofield Generating Station stands as a testament to the power of collaboration in achieving energy security and sustainability, illustrating the Army’s unwavering support for Hawai’i’s clean energy future.