The wind energy facility will comprise 30 units of 2.3MW Siemens wind turbine.
The facility is expected to generate enough clean, renewable wind energy to power the equivalent of about 14,500 homes on the island, or as much as 5% of Oahu’s annual electrical demand.
In December 2011, the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission approved a power purchase agreement between First Wind and the Hawaiian Electric Company.
First Wind developed a Habitat Conservation Plan for Kawailoa Wind, working with the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the Division of Forestry and Wildlife of the Hawai’i Department of Land and Natural Resources.
First Wind has been in discussions about the project with North Shore residents and community organizations for the past two years, while Kamehameha Schools began community consultation in 2006, starting with area kupuna to guide the process.
The company also worked with federal, state, and county agencies to obtain the necessary permits.
