Kahuku wind farm receives $117M federal grant
Mar 5 - McClatchy-Tribune Regional News - The Honolulu Advertiser
A 30-megawatt wind farm in Kahuku that is expected to supply electricity
to 7,700 households and avoid the production of nearly 160 million
pounds of carbon dioxide will receive a $117 million federal loan to
finance its construction.
"This is an important step toward the ultimate goal of replacing
imported fossil fuels as the primary source of power in Hawaii," said
Sen. Daniel Inouye in a statement announcing the plan with Sen. Daniel
Akaka. "Nearly 90 percent of the energy consumed in our state is the
product of imported oil. We must take greater advantage of the unique
abundance of sustainable sources of energy in Hawaii."
The plant's construction will create 200 jobs and upon completion will
provide between six and 10 full-time positions in Kahuku.
Kahuku Wind Power, LLC, a subsidiary of First Wind, will
install 12 2.5 MW wind turbine generators along with a battery energy
storage system for electricity load stability.
The electricity generated at the plant will be purchased and managed by
the Hawaiian Electric Company Inc.
The money is made available through the American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act.
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