Wind Power, Energy Efficiency Gaining Strength in Hawaii
Big wind closer to reality in Hawaii
June 2009
Wind farms, which could produce as much as 400 kilowatts (KW) of electricity are proposed for Lanai and Molokai as part of Hawaii's Clean Energy Initiative.
Credit: Hawaiian Electric Light Company
Hawaii Governor Linda Lingle and the state's major utilities have signed an agreement that will advance the state's 2008 Clean Energy Initiative.
The new contract could lead to the development of large wind farms on the islands of Lanai and Molokai, fulfilling one of the initiative's provisions. An estimated 400 megawatts (MW) of electricity generated by the facilities would be added to the existing power grid on Oahu, the most populous of the Hawaiian Islands.
The Clean Energy Initiative was signed by the State of Hawaii and the Hawaiian Electric Company. Under its terms, the utility committed to increase the amount of renewable energy available statewide by 1,100 megawatts (MW) by 2030. The agreement specified the inclusion of 400 MW of wind power from Lanai and/or Molokai to be transported, via an undersea cable, to the Oahu grid.
The new accord provides details on the implementation of the 2008 plan, including the design and construction of the inter-island cable system.
Two other Hawaiian companies, Castle & Cook and First Wind Hawaii, have proposed wind farms on Lanai and Molokai, respectively, which will each generate up to 200 MW of electricity.
To learn more, read the governor's March 17 press release.
Upgrades will cut power costs at Hawaii state parks
An energy efficiency program to reduce the cost of electricity in state parks is underway on four Hawaiian islands.
In early 2009, Lingle released $250,000 to install energy-efficient street lamps and lighting controls and to replace current water-heating systems and appliances in rental cabins in parks on the islands of Hawaii (Big Island), Kauai, Maui, and Oahu. The project is expected to cut power costs by 20%–30%. It is scheduled for completion by February 2010.
"This project will reduce energy costs and allow the Department of Land and Natural Resources to redirect these funds toward the maintenance and preservation of our natural and cultural assets," Lingle said in announcing the effort.
For more information, see the news release issued by the office of Governor Linda Lingle on February 4, 2009.
See more Hawaii project descriptions published in Conservation Update.
Read recent Hawaii news stories about state involvement in renewable energy and energy efficiency projects published on the EERE Web site.