First Wind announced the beginning of construction activities at the Kahuku wind farm, on Oahu island, Hawaii. The groundbreaking ceremony marked the beginning of the final phase of the 30 MW wind farm, the only utility-scale wind energy project on the island, and soon to be one of the largest such facilities in Hawaii. Once completed, the Kahuku wind farm will generate clean electricity for about 7700 average local homes. A total of 12 Clipper Liberty 2.5 MW wind turbines will be installed.

The project was pushed with a USD 117 millio loan from the US Department of Energy. Some 200 construction jobs will be created as a result of the project.

Hawaii has set a very ambitious renewable energy goal – 70% renewable energy by 2030.

[source: First Wind]