Ameresco Wins Reuters Global Energy Transition Award for Kūpono Solar Project Impact in Hawai‘i
Ameresco, Inc. (NYSE: AMRC), a prominent provider of energy efficiency and renewable energy solutions, has been honored with the Reuters Global Energy Transition Award 2025 in the Socially Responsible Project category. The award, presented at a high-profile ceremony in New York City on June 24, 2025, recognizes Ameresco’s Kūpono Solar Project on the island of O‘ahu, Hawai‘i—a pioneering initiative that merges renewable energy development with deep social and environmental impact.
Out of over 600 global entries, Ameresco emerged as a standout for its community-centric and environmentally forward project that addresses not only clean energy deployment but also local resilience, economic upliftment, and environmental stewardship. The Reuters Global Energy Transition Awards are designed to recognize and elevate organizations across the globe that are accelerating progress toward a net-zero future while fostering social and economic sustainability.
The Kūpono Solar Project: A Model of Integrated Sustainability
Located on U.S. Navy land at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, the Kūpono Solar Project is now O‘ahu’s largest solar and battery energy storage system. It consists of a 42-megawatt solar array paired with a 168 MWh battery energy storage system, capable of delivering clean, reliable electricity to about 10,000 homes across the island.
A striking feature of the project is its social footprint. Nearly 44% of the homes served by the Kūpono Solar Project are designated as under-resourced, ensuring that some of the most vulnerable communities on O‘ahu are gaining access to affordable, sustainable energy. In addition to its social benefits, the system displaces an estimated 50,000 tons of CO₂ emissions annually, contributing significantly to Hawaii’s clean energy and climate goals.
“The Kūpono Solar Project demonstrates what is possible when innovation meets purpose,” said George Sakellaris, President and CEO of Ameresco. “This award reflects the power of long-term partnerships, local investment, and our collective vision for a more resilient energy future.”
Advancing Equity and Environmental Justice
The design of the Kūpono Solar Project incorporates more than just engineering excellence. It exemplifies how infrastructure can serve the broader needs of society. Ameresco developed the project with a deliberate focus on energy equity, providing clean energy access to underserved populations and enhancing community resilience in the face of climate-related challenges.
Beyond power generation, the Kūpono Solar Project supports:
- Local biodiversity through ecological stewardship and responsible land use
- Energy affordability by reducing dependence on costly imported fuels
- Workforce development through the creation of green jobs for local residents
- Sustainability education in collaboration with local schools and community groups
Nicole Bulgarino, President of Federal Solutions and Utility Infrastructure at Ameresco, emphasized the broader impact: “This project reflects our commitment to delivering energy solutions that benefit communities and build resilience—through job creation, energy reliability, and education. We’re proud to lead with purpose and grateful to see that impact recognized on a global stage.”
Public-Private Collaboration at Its Best
The Kūpono Solar Project is a testament to the effectiveness of public-private partnerships in accelerating the energy transition. Developed in coordination with the U.S. Navy, the project leverages federal land and federal support to deliver tangible benefits to both military and civilian populations. It strengthens the local energy infrastructure while aligning with the Navy’s energy resilience and climate preparedness objectives.
Ameresco’s collaboration with federal agencies, local contractors, educators, and community stakeholders ensured that the project was not only technologically robust but also socially inclusive. This holistic approach was a key factor in the project’s selection for the Reuters award.
Hawaii’s Renewable Energy Leadership
Hawai‘i has long been at the forefront of renewable energy initiatives in the United States. The state’s ambitious clean energy goals, including achieving 100% renewable energy by 2045, require bold projects like Kūpono that combine cutting-edge technology with community and environmental values.
With its blend of solar generation and battery storage, the project helps manage peak electricity demands and improve overall grid stability—critical for an island grid system. It reduces reliance on imported fossil fuels and provides a blueprint for other island and remote communities facing similar energy and environmental challenges.
Recognition of Purpose-Driven Innovation
The Reuters Global Energy Transition Awards spotlight companies and initiatives leading the global effort to mitigate climate change while fostering equitable economic growth. In honoring Ameresco, Reuters acknowledged not just the technical merits of the Kūpono project, but its visionary integration of social, environmental, and economic goals.
This recognition is a milestone in Ameresco’s more than two-decade history of enabling its customers—ranging from military installations to municipalities and private enterprises—to reduce carbon footprints, lower energy costs, and boost sustainability.
Sakellaris concluded, “To be acknowledged in such a meaningful way underscores the importance of purpose-driven innovation. We look forward to replicating this model across more communities, reinforcing the idea that clean energy must be not just efficient—but equitable.”
