Sempra U.S. Gas & Power and BP Wind Energy have announced that the 21 MW Auwahi Wind facility has entered commercial operation.
The wind farm features eight Siemens wind turbines built on the southeast ridge of Maui's Haleakala volcano. According to the companies, the turbines will generate enough clean energy to power about 10,000 typical Maui homes.
The power from Auwahi Wind is being sold to Maui Electric Co. (MECO) under a 20-year contract. The project also features a 10 MW battery capable of storing 4.4 MWh, which will help regulate and sustain power on the MECO grid in times of light wind conditions.
