Wind Farms Bring Hawaii One Step Closer to Clean Energy Goal
Oahu is often frowned upon for its costly fuel consumption and blamed for earning the state the title of most fossil fuel-dependent state in the nation. But thanks to the First Wind Kahuku Wind Farm, the island may soon be helping Hawaii lose that title.
The farm, located on Oahu’s north shore, is made up of twelve giant wind turbines that harness the energy from the trade winds and convert it into energy for the island. It is estimated to produce about two to five percent of the electricity consumed annually on Oahu – enough to power 7,700 homes, according to a report by KITV.
But we all know that the winds aren’t always blowing. So what happens when they stop? First Wind’s got it covered. They’ve installed a back-up battery system that will store and stabilize the energy, continuing to supply electricity to Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO) customers without interruption.
A wind farm that provides two to five percent of the electricity needed on Oahu is a step towards clean energy, but it’s not enough. So First Wind is planning on building another wind farm between Haleiwa and Waimea Bay. The new farm will be larger than the Kahuku Wind Farm and produce about twice the energy. Wind farms on Lanai and Molokai have also been proposed, but have met much resistance due to cultural concerns, the small size of the islands, and the natural beauty that will be disrupted if farms are built.
If you want to learn more about wind energy, you may consider attending the University of Hawaii at Manoa’s “An Introduction to Wind Energy” meeting, being held from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, Saturday, April 30, 2011. Dr. Tony Kuh (Professor and Chair of Electrical Engineering at the University of Hawai‘i and Director of the College of Engineering’s Renewable Energy and Island Sustainability (REIS) project) and Dr. Dora Nakafuji (Aeronautical/Mechanical Engineering at the University of California, Davis and Renewable Energy Planning Director for Hawaiian Electric Company) will be teaching attendees about wind energy systems, design, wind energy economics, and grid integration, as well as discussing sustainable energy and Hawaii’s Clean Energy Initiative.
Dr. Koh says he welcomes all interested in learning more about how turbines work, the components of a turbine and wind farm, and the basics of converting wind to electricity. When asked for his thoughts on the proposed wind farms on Lanai and Molokai, he emphasized the educational aspect of the meeting and encourages attendees to develop their own informed opinions on the issue, stating, “We will be considering the role and value of wind and the importance of wind forecasting. What you learn may help you reach your own conclusions about any project under consideration.”
Will we reach the ambitious goal of 70% clean energy by 2030? With the help of wind farms and other sustainable sources we certainly have a chance.
