Last week, HECO (Hawaiian Electric Co.) and Castle & Cooke reached an agreement on electricity pricing and a community benefits package relating to future installation of a 200 MW wind farm on Lanai that will supply Oahu via undersea cable. The proposed wind farm will feature 56 turbines generating 3.6MW each, located at the far western end of the island. This energy will displace up to 15% of Oahu’s oil imports. Castle & Cooke have agreed to give jobs priority on the project to Lanai residents, and a commitment to provide electricity locally at the same rate as Oahu residents (40% less than current rates). A commitment has also been made to residents to provide Lanai with 100% renewable energy by 2030. HECO will also contribute $50,000 per year to the Lanai Community Benefits Fund. The EIS for the undersea cable is pending. A second wind farm with similar capacity is planned for Molokai; however discussions are not as far advanced.
Sources: Pacific Buisiness News, Honolulu Star-Advertiser
