Wind Turbines Removed at Maui Ocean Center

Maui Ocean Center. Photo by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

After nearly five years of operation, the wind turbines atop the Maui Ocean Center building in Māʻalaea have since been removed, company officials announced.

The array of six turbines were reportedly placed on the building nearly as part of a demonstration project in partnership with Maui Electric Company and AeroVironment Architectural Wind.

According to a company newsletter, officials with the Maui Ocean Center say that recently one turbine experienced an “equipment malfunction,” and a decision was made to remove the complete installation on June 10, 2013.   The early end to the project reportedly comes just short of its anticipated end date, the newsletter stated.

Maui Ocean Center. Photo by Wendy Osher.

The array was installed as a way of providing the Maui Ocean Center with the ability to produce renewable energy for its own consumption.

With the fast paced advancements in renewable energy alternatives, new initiatives are being considered to replace the turbine equipment.

“It was exciting and meaningful for the Aquarium to be part of this pioneering project and experiment,” stated Kate Zolezzi, General Manager at Maui Ocean Center, in the company newsletter.

According to the publication, new initiatives and renewable energy alternatives are being considered to replace the equipment.

***Supporting information courtesy Maui Ocean Center.

Maui Ocean Center. Photo by Wendy Osher.