BRIEF: Ulupalakua’s Auwahi Wind Farm to Break Ground

Maui's first windfarm project, the Kaheawa Windfarm, is located in Maalaea. The Ulupalakua project is designed to capture wind resources on the other side of Maui's isthmus along the Slopes of Haleakala. Aerial photography by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

Sempra US Gas & Power breaks ground on the new 21-megawatt Auwahi Wind Farm project in Ulupalkua on Maui next week.

Once complete, the eight wind turbines will generate enough electricity to power up to 10,000 Maui homes.

The project is also designed to diversify the island’s power supply and contribute to the state’s energy independence and security.

In addition to the wind turbines, the project also calls for the establishment of a battery energy storage system (BESS) on land along the slopes of Haleakalā in Ulupalakua.

The proposed project includes an electrical collection system, an operations and maintenance facility, an approximately nine-mile, 34.5-kilovolt generator-tie line, an interconnection substation, and a construction access route.

Project completion is slated for the end of this year.