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DSD’s 1.2 MW Solar + Storage System for Mauna Loa Earns Top Project of the Year Award from Environment + Energy Leader
SCHENECTADY, N.Y. – July 19, 2022 – DSD Renewables’ (DSD) 1.2 MW solar and 500 kW battery storage system installation for Mauna Loa, the world’s largest macadamia nut brand, earned a Top Project of the Year designation in the 2022 Environment + Energy Leader Awards. The Environment + Energy Leader Awards program recognizes excellence in projects that improved environmental or energy management and increased the bottom line for organizations. The project, designed and developed by DSD in collaboration with Mauna Loa parent company Hawaiian Host Group, supports the brand to reduce its carbon footprint and ultimately become 100% self-sustainable.
Completed in February 2022, the installation consists of 2,916 solar panels at Mauna Loa’s processing plant in Kea’au, Hawai’i, and is regarded as the largest operating PV project dedicated to a private company in the state. The solar-plus-storage system directly powers 85% of the facility and is expected to generate 1.55 million kWh of solar energy annually, avoiding over 1,000 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent each year. In combination with existing sustainable practices and on-site water and wastewater systems, the project has enabled the site to be 100% self-sustainable.
Mauna Loa’s solar installation is the largest operating PV project dedicated to a private company in the state of Hawai’i.
“We are very excited to be recognized by Environment + Energy Leader for our role in making Mauna Loa’s sustainability vision a reality,” says Eric Pollock, Chief Commercial Officer at DSD. “Being named a Top Project of the Year is a testament to our commitment and capabilities for advancing companies forward in their clean energy transition.”
The installation was completed in partnership with No Ka Oi Energy and will be owned and operated long term by DSD.
About DSD Renewables
DSD Renewables (DSD) is transforming the way organizations harness clean energy while building a more sustainable future. With unparalleled capabilities including development, structured financing, project acquisition and long-term asset ownership, DSD accelerates the deployment of renewable energy resources and creates significant value for our commercial, industrial, and municipal customers and partners. Backed by world-leading financial partners like BlackRock Real Assets and rooted in our founding at GE, our team brings a distinct combination of ingenuity, rigor, and accountability to every project we manage, acquire, own, and maintain. To learn more, visit DSDRenewables.com and connect with us on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook.
About Mauna Loa
In 1946, beneath the shadow of Mauna Loa volcano herself, the Mauna Loa® brand began to create nutritious macadamia nut products with a unique crunch. To this day, the Hawai‘i-based company still operates its manufacturing plant in Keaʻau, on the Big Island of Hawai‘i. Mauna Loa is now known for a wide variety of products – including Non-Dairy Macadamia Milk Ice
Cream, flavored nuts, and chocolate-covered nuts. With a passionate team that embodies the Aloha Spirit, Mauna Loa keeps innovating with bold new products that harness the vibrant flavors and exquisite tastes of Hawai‘i. For more information on Mauna Loa, visit www.maunaloa.com.
About Hawaiian Host Group
Hawaiian Host Group, parent company to Hawaiian Host®, Mauna Loa®, and KOHO® brands, is the leading manufacturer of premium chocolate and macadamia nut snacks. The iconic Hawai’i company has been offering a variety of high-quality, delicious products — from fine confectionery gifts to indulgent snacks — since 1927. Headquartered in Honolulu, Hawaiian Host Group produces more than 40 unique premium chocolate and macadamia nut snacks and distributes worldwide. For more information on Hawaiian Host Group brands, visit hawaiianhostgroup.com
About the Environment + Energy Leader Awards
For the past decade, the Environment + Energy Leader Awards have celebrated excellence in the world of environmental, sustainability and energy management. Award winners are truly buzz-worthy, and companies that sport a Top Project or Top Product of the Year Award badge are known to be the best of the best. When other companies are seeking a sustainability or energy management solution, they know that E+E Product of the Year Award winners offer a significant group of products, vetted by experts, to peruse for help in making their decisions. Project of the Year Award winners are known to illustrate how sustainability and energy management projects can successfully help other companies improve the bottom line.
Media Contacts
Meghan Gainer
VP Marketing & Communications, DSD Renewables
Email Meghan
P. 518-369-3692
Christian Rizzo
Gregory FCA for DSD Renewables
Email Christian
P. 610-228-2134
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