Hawi Wind Farm

Mauna Kea causes the trade winds to divert around it, increasing wind to super-enhanced flow over the Kohala ridge.{{cite tech report |author=Elliott, DL |author2=Aspliden, CI |author3=Gower, GL |author4=CG Holladay |author5=MN Schwartz |title=Wind Energy Resource Assessment of the Caribbean and Central America |osti=971424 |osti-access=free |publisher=Pacific Northwest National Laboratory |page=28 |date=April 1987 }}

On 14 May 2004, Hawaii Electric Light Company (HELCO) bought the project from enXco or EDF Renewable Energy. Since then the farm has been operated by Hawi Renewable Development LLC, but continues to provide power to HELCO. The Hawi wind farm was the first utility scaled wind farm built in Hawaii, quickly followed by the Kaheawa Wind Farm built later in 2006.

In 2011, the Hawi Wind Farm added a 1 megawatt back-up battery system to their wind farm. The Hawaii Natural Energy Institute approved this 1.8 million dollar project which allowed Altair Nanotechnologies to make this installation. This addition allows the wind farm to produce up to one megawatt of backup power that can be fed into the grid if the wind farm were to shut down due to safety reasons.{{cite news |author= |date=27 January 2011 |title=Hawi Wind Farm to Get Battery Backup System |url=http://www.staradvertiser.com/business/businessnews/114754704.html?id=114754704 |newspaper=Honolulu Star Advertiser |access-date=14 January 2015}}

However, as recently as 2013 the farm has also had its setbacks. On 7 January 2013, the farm was forced to shut down due to high sustained winds and gusts up to 50 miles-per-hour. This shut down directly impacted over 6,000 customers.{{cite news |last=Smith |first=Dave |date=7 January 2013 |title=Wind Causes Power Outages Across Big Isle |url=http://bigislandnow.com/2013/01/07/wind-causes-power-outages-across-the-big-isle |newspaper=Big Island Now |access-date=14 January 2015}} Similarly, a week later the farm went off line again, this time affecting about 4,500 customers.{{cite news |author= |date=21 January 2013 |title=Loss of Wind Farm Cuts Power to HELCO Customers |url=http://bigislandnow.com/2013/01/21/loss-of-wind-farm-cuts-power-to-helco-customers/ |newspaper=Big Island Now |access-date=14 January 2015}}

In 2021, Hawi Renewable Development LLC proposed a 20-year extension to its power purchase agreement (PPA) with Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO). The proposal included refurbishing existing generators, gearboxes, and blades, installing new transformers, and upgrading the on-site substation. These enhancements aimed to extend the facility's operational life without increasing the number or size of turbines. {{Cite web |last=Lauer |first=Nancy Cook |date=2021-08-10 |title=Upgrades coming to Hawi wind farm |url=https://www.westhawaiitoday.com/2021/08/10/hawaii-news/upgrades-coming-to-hawi-wind-farm/?utm_source=chatgpt.com |access-date=2025-05-21 |website=West Hawaii Today |language=en-US}}

In December 2021, an amended PPA was filed, transitioning from oil-linked pricing to fixed rates, providing more predictable energy costs. A subsequent amendment in January 2023 detailed plans to repower the facility while maintaining its 10.56 MW capacity. These changes are expected to result in long-term savings for customers and contribute to Hawaii's renewable energy targets.{{Cite web |title=Three Hawaii Island renewable energy contracts amended, will result in long-term savings for customers |url=https://www.hawaiianelectric.com/three-hawaii-island-renewable-energy-contracts-amended-will-result-in-long-term-savings-for-customers?utm_source |access-date=2025-05-21 |website=www.hawaiianelectric.com |language=en}}

By March 2024, the first phase of the repowering project was completed, refurbishing 8 of the 16 turbines. The second phase is anticipated to conclude by late 2025, ensuring the wind farm's continued contribution to the island's energy mix.{{Cite web |last=Site |first=Constructors Inc |date=March 2024 |title=Hawi Wind Farm Repower progress as of March 2024 |url=http://www.siteconstructors.net/wind.html |url-status=live |website=www.siteconstructors.net}}

With the extended PPA in place, the Hawi Wind Farm is set to operate until at least 2046. The ongoing upgrades and contract modifications align with Hawaii's goal of achieving 100% renewable energy by 2045, solidifying the wind farm's role in the state's sustainable energy landscape.{{Cite web |last=Glick |first=Mark |date=December 3, 2024 |title=HAWAII STATE ENERGY OFFICE, Comments - KWP 1 One-Year Lease Holdover |url=https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/D-7T-12-09.pdf?utm_source |url-status=live |website=dlnr.hawaii.gov}}

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Category:Wind farms in Hawaii

Category:Wind farms