Building Industry Magazine - May 2011 - (Page 7)

First Wind Turns on Kahuku Wind Farm Developer and owner First Wind and Hawaiian Electric Co. held a dedication ceremony March 24 to mark the beginning of operations of the Kahuku Wind farm. The 30-megawatt (MW) facility features an innovative battery system capable of supplying enough renewable energy to power up to 7,700 Oahu homes annually. Gov. Neil Abercrombie along with other state and community leaders partcipated in the traditional maile lei untying at the entrance of the wind project’s operations building. “Renewable energy projects such as Kahuku Wind are significant as they advance Hawaii’s pursuit of energy independence,” said Abercrombie at the event. “By harnessing resources such as the wind to provide renewable and sustainable power to Oahu’s grid, we are building a clean energy infrastructure that will provide both immediate and long-term environmental and economic benefits to the people of Hawaii.” “The Kahuku wind project is one of the newest and most technologically advanced wind facilities in the nation and it will be a model for future Hawaii projects,” says Paul Gaynor, CEO of First Wind. “The project was made possible through our partnerships with Hawaiian Electric Co., the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Xtreme Power Inc. and RMT, Inc. along with tremendous support from the state and local leaders and members of the local community.” As part of a long-term power purchase agreement between Kahuku Wind and Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO), First Wind will sell as-available renewable energy from the project to the utility at contracted prices. The project features several innovations including new 2.5 MW Clipper Liberty wind turbines and a battery energy storage system developed by Xtreme Power. Its dynamic power resource (DPR) is a utility-scale battery system that assists in meeting stringent performance standards and smoothing wind energy project under Hawaii’s fluctuations in wind energy output. Endangered Species Act, which A dedicated communication system protects endangered species that may was also built to connect the project be found on or near the project site. to HECO’s system operations and The first such plan was put in place for dispatch center. First Wind’s Kaheawa Wind project on RMT, which is currently building Maui, which First Wind also operates. the expansion of First Wind’s Kaheawa Wind project on Maui, led the construction activities for Kahuku Wind. Construction of the Kahuku Wind project was assisted by a $117 million loan guarantee from the DOE. The Kahuku Wind project features the Above, the March 24 maile lei untying ceremony marks the second-ever Habitat commencement of operations. Conservation Plan Background, the 12 wind turbines at Kahuku Wind will produce enough energy to power nearly 7,700 homes annually. approved for a CYCLE CITY LTD 600 PuuLoa RoaD HonoLuLu, HI 96819 (808) 831-2600 wwwcyclecityltd.com KawasaKi Cares: always wear protective gear appropriate for the use of this vehicle. Never operate under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Protect the environment. The Kawasaki MULeTM utility vehicle is an off-highway vehicle only, and is not designed, equipped, or manufactured for use on public streets; roads or highways. Obey the laws and regulations that control the use of your vehicle. specifications subject to change without notice. availability may be limited. ©2009 Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.s.a. MAY 2011 | BUILDING INDUSTRY | 7 http://www.wwwcyclecityltd.com http://www.wwwcyclecityltd.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Building Industry Magazine - May 2011

Building Industry Magazine - May 2011
Contents
Datebook
March in the BIA Parade
First Wind Turns on Kahuku Wind Farm
Two New Rail Contracts
U.S. Transportation Head Visits Hawaii
Kalakaua Sidewalk Improvements Begin
New Turf for Aloha Stadium
Contracts Awarded
Hawthorne Hauls Blocks for Mission House
RENOVATION & REMODELING
MILITARY TRIBUTE
Low Bids
ENVIRONMENT & THE LAW
Spotlight on Success: West Hawaii Civic Center
Best Practices
WINDOWS, SKYLIGHTS & DOORS
Concept to Completion: Heleloa Neighborhood
New Products

Building Industry Magazine - May 2011