“This project is significant as we continue down the path of greater energy independence and away from our reliance on expensive imported oil," said Governor Neil Abercrombie. "I appreciate the commitment that Kamehameha Schools and the North Shore community have made to move Oahu in the direction of harnessing our renewable energy. This was a collaborative effort and I congratulate First Wind and Hawaiian Electric for successfully negotiating this agreement and the Public Utilities Commission and Consumer Advocate for approving it in a timely manner."
Under the contract, Kawailoa Wind Power, a subsidiary of Massachusetts-based First Wind, will sell as-available renewable energy to Hawaiian Electric at pre-determined prices over 20 years, providing a valuable hedge against fluctuating oil prices.
The Kawailoa Wind project will employ 30 Siemens SWT-2.3-101 wind turbines, each able to generate up to 2.3 MW.
When completed, Kawailoa Wind will be the largest wind energy project in the state, able to generate clean, renewable energy equivalent to that needed to power approximately 14,500 Oahu homes.
The project is scheduled to begin construction this month and is expected to be operating by the end of 2012.
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