Holu Hou Energy Lands $20 Million Deal to Power Hawaiian Sports and Cultural Hub with Next-Gen Renewable System

Borqs Technologies subsidiary Holu Hou Energy has secured a major partnership with Honokea Villages to develop a comprehensive renewable energy and storage installation at an upcoming ecological sports training facility in Hawaii. The project, valued at approximately $20 million, represents a significant milestone in bringing sustainable power solutions to community-focused athletic venues.

Project Scale and Technical Specifications

The renewable energy system will be substantial in scope, featuring over 3 MW of photovoltaic generation capacity paired with more than 4 MWh of energy storage capability. This combination is engineered to cover 100% of the facility’s operational power requirements, eliminating the need for grid reliance. The infrastructure will support Olympic-level training amenities including surfing, sport climbing, kayaking, and beach volleyball facilities.

Construction is slated to begin in 2023, with financing structured through a 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA). This arrangement aligns the economic model with long-term sustainability commitments while ensuring predictable energy costs for the venue operator.

Holu Hou Energy’s Role and Technology

Operating across California, Hawaii, Wisconsin, and Shanghai, Holu Hou Energy specializes in designing proprietary storage systems and control platforms tailored to residential and commercial applications. The company recently developed proprietary “Energy Share” technology specifically designed to optimize energy distribution in multi-dwelling unit residential properties—a technology gaining traction among investors prioritizing ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) solutions.

Borqs Technologies acquired controlling interest in Holu Hou Energy in October 2021, positioning the IoT and 5G solutions provider to expand into the clean energy sector. The company brings complementary expertise in software development, cloud services, and scalable smart device solutions.

Cultural and Community Significance

Honokea Villages was established in 2011 by co-founder Brian Keaulana to integrate Hawaiian Surf Culture into the emerging global surf park industry. The facility reflects this mission, incorporating Hawaiian cultural elements into every planning dimension—from athletic programming to arts and environmental stewardship.

“Honokea aims to ensure Hawaiian Culture is incorporated into every aspect of the planning of the family destination: excellence in sports, sustainability, arts and culture. It’s a place for the whole family that’s truly designed to benefit our community,” Keaulana noted regarding the project vision.

Market Context

This $20 million renewable energy contract is part of Borqs’ broader Q2 2022 contract portfolio, which totaled $49.8 million in signed agreements. The project underscores growing market demand for integrated energy solutions that combine generation, storage, and intelligent management—particularly in facilities with high uptime requirements and sustainability mandates.

The partnership demonstrates how specialized renewable energy providers are expanding beyond traditional residential applications into recreational and cultural infrastructure, addressing a gap where athletic venues and community facilities increasingly seek carbon-neutral operational models.