First Wind has been offered a conditional commitment from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for a $117 million loan guarantee to finance the construction of its proposed 30 MW Kahuku Wind project, located in Kahuku, Hawaii.
The work on the Kahuku Wind project will create employment opportunities during design, engineering and construction, including approximately 200 construction jobs, according to First Wind.Â
‘Given today's difficult financing environment for these types of projects, the loan guarantee will be an important part in securing the necessary financing to build this next-generation wind energy project, which will create jobs, generate clean power for the people of Oahu and help Hawaii gain greater energy independence,’ says Paul Gaynor, CEO of First Wind.
The project is in the final permitting stages. Construction is expected to begin after the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission approves the project and the DOE guaranteed funding is in place.
First Wind intends to incorporate a 15 megavolt ampere, 10 MWh battery energy-storage system to enhance electricity load stability. Developed by Kyle, Texas-based Xtreme Power, the patented battery system will enable the Kahuku Wind project to store energy and provide as much as 10 MW of power for at least an hour during periods of low wind speeds.Â
The Kahuku Wind project will include 12 2.5 MW Clipper Liberty turbines, which are manufactured in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. In addition, the project will feature a Habitat Conservation Plan so that endangered species can be protected near the project.
SOURCE: First Wind
