The project touts multiple beneficial features. It is an approved Habitat Conservation Plan under Hawaii’s Endangered Species Act. It currently has the largest Dynamic Power Resource (DPR), an innovative battery energy storage system, of any North American wind farm allowing it to meet performance standards while balancing fluctuations in output. The project also features a built-in connection to HECO’s operations that will assist with the long-term agreement allowing First Wind to sell the generated wind energy to the electric company at a contracted price.
With wind power now being added to the electric grid, Oahu will now experience immediate and sustainable benefits environmentally and economically. It is Governor Neil Abercrombie’s hope for Hawaii to achieve energy independence, with a state goal of 70% clean energy by 2030. This new renewable power gets him one step closer to that pursuit.
