Posted at 12:14 p.m., Friday, January 18, 2008
Maui wind farm exceeded goal, UPC Wind says
Advertiser Staff
A Maui wind firm is exceeding production targets while generating enough electricity to power 11,000 homes on the Valley Isle.UPC Wind, a Massachusetts-based company that jointly owns Kaheawa Wind Power on the slopes of the West Maui Mountains, said the facility generated more than 125,000 mega-watt hours of electricity last year, it's first full year of operation.
The $70-million project eliminated the need to import 236,000 barrels of oil last year while helping avoid the release of more than 91,000 tons of carbon dioxide, UPC said.
"In addition to the clean energy produced by Kaheawa Wind Power and associated environmental benefits, the wind farm has played a major role in stabilizing and reducing the cost of energy on Maui," said Michael Alvarez, UPC chief operating officer, in a press statement.
"Since it achieved commercial operations, the project has sold all of its output to Maui Electric Company at rates that will save the utility over $4 million annually as compared to current avoided cost contracts."
UPC Wind is pursuing at least one other wind farm project in Maui County, a facility that would be built on Moloka'i. In November UPC Wind said pledged to contribute to a community group's efforts to buy out Moloka'i's largest landowner.
