US DOE approves $117 million for Hawaii wind power project

Published: 09-Mar-2010

US Secretary of Energy Steven Chu has announced that the Department of Energy (DOE) has offered a conditional commitment on a $117 million loan guarantee to finance the construction and start-up of a major 30 megawatt (MW) wind energy project in Kahuku, Hawaii.

Kahuku Wind Power will install twelve 2.5 MW wind turbine generators along with a battery energy storage system for electricity load stability. The loan guarantee is being supported by funds made available from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Located on the island of Oahu, the Kahuku project will contribute to Hawaii’s Clean Energy Initiative goal of meeting 70% of the state’s energy needs with clean energy by 2030. Currently, each island uses an isolated electric grid that relies upon the use of imported oil, which currently comprises 90% of the state’s energy supply. By harnessing wind power, the project is expected to supply electricity to 7,700 households and avoid the production of carbon dioxide, a major greenhouse gas.

The project sponsor, First Wind Holdings estimates that construction of the Kahuku project will create 200 jobs. After completion, the project will provide 6 to 10 full-time clean energy jobs in Kahuku. The electricity generated by the project will be sold to Hawaiian Electric Company, Inc.

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