Maui Windpower
In Hawaii—where there are no fossil fuel resources, and 90 percent of the state’s energy consumption must be imported—the decisions become more immediate. Last year, the Hawaiian legislature enacted a Renewable Portfolio Standard requiring that by 2020, 20 percent of electricity sold needs to be generated from renewable sources. [As of last year, 18 states plus the District of Columbia had passed similar legislation.]
“Hawaii has one of the best wind resources in the country, but the state hasn’t been using the resource to its fullest potential,” says Gaynor. “It’s a situation where wind is extremely competitive, compared to conventional power sources. It makes sense for consumers, it makes sense for the state, and it has environmental benefits.”
In March, Gaynor secured financing for a $70 million project on the island of Maui. [The project is a joint venture with Makani Nui Associates, which owns 49 percent.] The 30-megawatt wind farm at Kaheawa Pastures will be Hawaii’s first utility-scale project to be put into service since the 1980s. Plans call for 20 towers, 180 feet tall, with 1.5-megawatt General Electric turbines. Construction is expected to begin this summer, and the project should be completed by the first quarter of 2006. When operational, the wind farm will supply up to 9 percent of demand to customers of Maui Electric Company.
The Kaheawa Pastures site is situated on state conservation land, between Ma’aleaea and Olowalu, at elevations ranging from 2,000 to 3,000 feet. Gaynor describes the spot with elation, as he points to it on a wind resource map (opposite page) that shows where strong trade winds are squeezed between the West Maui Mountains and the Haleakala volcano. He is equally enthusiastic about the natural beauty of the site. “In the morning,” he says, almost reverently, “when the sun is rising, you can see over to the big island. It’s virgin land, with nothing but a few Jeep trails. It is absolutely gorgeous.”
Why, then, add a wind farm?
“Hawaii had to make a choice,” he answers. “On Maui, consumers pay about 25 cents per kilowatt hour for electricity.” [Retail rates in Hawaii are about twice the national average.] According to reports by the Hawaii Wind Working Group, the project was welcomed by residents: at hearings held by the Board of Land and Natural Resources in the early stages of the project, there was no opposing testimony from the homeowner, environmental, and native Hawaiian associations present.
“They want us to do this,” says Gaynor. “They’re saying, ‘I would rather look at wind turbines than have my kids unable to afford electricity and have to deal with the effects of global warming.’ They understand that it’s not a panacea but a piece of the solution toward becoming more energy efficient and less dependent on foreign oil. But there aren’t enough Hawaiis out there. That’s why we have to proceed slowly and surely.”
“Hawaii has one of the best wind resources in the country, but the state hasn’t been using the resource to its fullest potential,” says Gaynor. “It’s a situation where wind is extremely competitive, compared to conventional power sources. It makes sense for consumers, it makes sense for the state, and it has environmental benefits.”
In March, Gaynor secured financing for a $70 million project on the island of Maui. [The project is a joint venture with Makani Nui Associates, which owns 49 percent.] The 30-megawatt wind farm at Kaheawa Pastures will be Hawaii’s first utility-scale project to be put into service since the 1980s. Plans call for 20 towers, 180 feet tall, with 1.5-megawatt General Electric turbines. Construction is expected to begin this summer, and the project should be completed by the first quarter of 2006. When operational, the wind farm will supply up to 9 percent of demand to customers of Maui Electric Company.
The Kaheawa Pastures site is situated on state conservation land, between Ma’aleaea and Olowalu, at elevations ranging from 2,000 to 3,000 feet. Gaynor describes the spot with elation, as he points to it on a wind resource map (opposite page) that shows where strong trade winds are squeezed between the West Maui Mountains and the Haleakala volcano. He is equally enthusiastic about the natural beauty of the site. “In the morning,” he says, almost reverently, “when the sun is rising, you can see over to the big island. It’s virgin land, with nothing but a few Jeep trails. It is absolutely gorgeous.”
Why, then, add a wind farm?
“Hawaii had to make a choice,” he answers. “On Maui, consumers pay about 25 cents per kilowatt hour for electricity.” [Retail rates in Hawaii are about twice the national average.] According to reports by the Hawaii Wind Working Group, the project was welcomed by residents: at hearings held by the Board of Land and Natural Resources in the early stages of the project, there was no opposing testimony from the homeowner, environmental, and native Hawaiian associations present.
“They want us to do this,” says Gaynor. “They’re saying, ‘I would rather look at wind turbines than have my kids unable to afford electricity and have to deal with the effects of global warming.’ They understand that it’s not a panacea but a piece of the solution toward becoming more energy efficient and less dependent on foreign oil. But there aren’t enough Hawaiis out there. That’s why we have to proceed slowly and surely.”
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