Flowserve Corp., a multinational supplier of flow control products headquartered in Texas, has been awarded a contract to supply vertical turbine pumps to McMillen Jacobs Associates for its design, engineering and construction services on the West Kauai Energy Project, the company recently announced.
The West Kauai Energy Project is one part pumped-storage hydro and irrigation project, and one part utility-scale solar and storage. Once completed, it is expected to provide Kauai with 25% of its electricity needs.
Flowserve did not immediately respond to a question from PBN regarding the financial details of the contract.
As previously reported by Pacific Business News, the project will be located northwest of Waimea and Kekaha. Kauai Island Utility Cooperative spokesperson Beth Tokioka previously told PBN that KIUC is aiming to finalize permitting by the end of 2023, and targeting full project completion by the end of 2025.
KIUC has also previously said the project will lower its 34,000 customers' bills over the course of its 25-year life span. It is also expected to boost the island's renewable portfolio standard above 80%.
“We are excited to be a part of this meaningful project. Through our purpose to make the world better for everyone, we are well positioned to support Hawaii’s ambitious goals on the path to zero emissions,” Tamara Morytko, president of Flowserve pumps division, said in a statement. “As we look to expand in low-carbon markets through the energy transition, Flowserve’s role in the WKEP is deeply aligned with our 3D growth strategy to diversify, decarbonize and digitize.”
The project will utilize state land and water for renewable energy production via hydroelectric generation, renewable energy production via solar photovoltaic generation, pumped hydroelectric and battery storage, and irrigation delivery, according to Flowserve.
The pumped hydropower will provide 12 hours of daily storage, in contrast with standard storage of existing solar battery facilities, which typically provide only five hours of storage, according to the company.
The project will utilize the existing Kokee Ditch Irrigation System and the Puu Lua, Puu Opae, and Mana reservoirs, and includes the rehabilitation of existing state infrastructure as well as construction of new irrigation infrastructure and solar and hydroelectric facilities, according to a draft environmental assessment published Aug. 15.
The project has a 65-year long water lease from the Board of Land and Natural Resources to divert a multi-year rolling average of 11 million gallons of water a day into the Kokee Ditch Irrigation System from the Waiakoali, Kawaikoi, Kauaikinana, and Kokee streams, according to the draft environmental assessment.
