The Grand Wailea Hotel

Grand Wailea CHP Unit On the lush grounds of Maui's Grand Wailea Resort Hotel & Spa overlooking the blue Pacific, guests are enjoying the warm waters of a heated pool, gourmet dining, and body pampering courtesy of a demonstration project installed via a partnership with Maui Electric Company, Hawaiian Electric Company, and the Electric Power Research Institute and Energy Industries.

Combined Heat & Power (CHP), also known as cogeneration, is an efficient, clean, and reliable approach to generating power and thermal energy from a single fuel source. Operating since the beginning of 2003, the cogeneration unit located at the resort produces 150 kW of electricity. That's not sufficient for the entire hotel, but enough for the needs of the Bistro Molokini cafe, while heating their 750,000 gallon pool, and their Spa Grande hotel spas.

"In today's economy, we are always researching ways to run our business more efficiently while still maintaining world class service to our guests," said Johnny So, Vice President and General Manager of the Grand Wailea Resort. "We previously participated in MECO's Energy Solutions for Business program and received rebates to install energy efficient electrotechnologies. That resulted in real savings for us. We are now ready to explore other innovative possibilities with MECO."

In October 2003, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) selected the Grand Wailea Resort for a CHP Certificate of Recognition based on the success of this demonstration project. Each year this is awarded to leaders who increase the nation's electric generation efficiency through the development of highly efficient CHP projects.

The Grand Wailea Resort has demonstrated a dedication to reduced fuel consumption and responsible energy management. The resort is both an example to numerous organizations and a valued form of pollution reduction. The efficiency of the CHP facility allows it to operated using 25% less fuel than onsite thermal generation and purchased electricity. As a result, the Grand Wailea Resort is paying less in energy costs through the use of CHP in this successful demonstration project.

This project was a joint effort between the Grand Wailea Resort, Maui Electric Company (MECO), Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO), Energy Industries (EI) and the Electric Power Research Institute. EI is also an Energy Star CHP Partner that encourages the development of CHP with its customers.

 

For more information on this project please contact Sales Representative Darren Kimura at darren.kimura@energy-industries.com