A 30-megawatt wind farm in Kahuku that is expected to supply electricity to 7,700 households and avoid the production of nearly 160 million pounds of carbon dioxide will receive a $117 million federal loan to finance its construction.

“This is an important step toward the ultimate goal of replacing imported fossil fuels as the primary source of power in Hawaii,” said Sen. Daniel Inouye in a statement announcing the plan with Sen. Daniel Akaka. “Nearly 90 percent of the energy consumed in our state is the product of imported oil. We must take greater advantage of the unique abundance of sustainable sources of energy in Hawaii.”
The plant’s construction will create 200 jobs and upon completion will provide between six and 10 full-time positions in Kahuku.
Kahuku Wind Power, LLC, a subsidiary of First Wind, will install 12 2.5 MW wind turbine generators along with a battery energy storage system for electricity load stability.
The electricity generated at the plant will be purchased and managed by the Hawaiian Electric Company Inc.
The money is made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.