Sempra U.S. Gas & Power and BP Wind Energy have announced plans to jointly develop the Auwahi Wind farm in Hawaii. This is the fifth project developed under a strategic partnership between the two companies that includes more than 1 GW of wind energy generating capacity in operation or under construction.
Located in southeastern Maui, the 21 MW wind farm will utilize eight Siemens wind turbines to generate enough renewable energy for approximately 10,000 average Maui homes, the companies say. The balance-of-plant contract has been awarded to RMT WindConnect.
The Auwahi Wind farm will utilize a battery storage unit capable of storing in excess of 4 MW of renewable energy. This stored electricity will help to regulate the intermittent wind power, providing a source of grid stability for Maui Electric Co.
Initial construction activities are under way, and full mobilization at the site is slated to begin by the end of the second quarter. The project is expected to enter commercial operation by year-end.
The entire power output from the wind farm has been sold under a long-term power purchase agreement to Maui Electric Co.
