HECO GETS $750,000 FOR NEW WIND ENERGY PROJECTS

Hawaiian Electric Company is the recipient of $750,000 in federal funds for the development of new wind energy projects in Hawaii.

File image of the Kaheawa Wind Farm on Maui. Photo by Wendy Osher.

The award, from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), funded primarily by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, will support HECO’s Hawaii Utility Integration Initiatives.

Currently, HECO operates the Kaheawa Wind Power Farm on Maui.  Wind farm projects are also being planned for Kahuku, Maui and Lanai.

“Grants like this will help Hawaii as we continue to strive for energy independence through the creation of renewable power solutions that utilize our unique access to wind, water, solar and other sustainable resources,” said Senate Appropriations Chairman Daniel K. Inouye and Senator Daniel K. Akaka.

The two announced the funding as another step toward the proliferation of renewable, sustainable energy solutions for the state.

Nationwide, wind power capacity increased by 8,558 megawatts (MW) in 2008, according to DOE’s Annual Report on U.S. Wing Power Installation, Cost, and Performance Trends released today.

(Posted by Wendy Osher; Information provided by the office of United States Senator Daniel K. Akaka)