A Hawaiian wind farm that was decommissioned by the Hawaii Electric Light Company in 2010 is getting a second life. The Lalamilo Wind Company is building five turbines at the former Lalamilo Wind Farm location near Puako. Beginning late next year, the turbines will generate 3.3 MW to power eight Hawaii County Department of Water Supply wells that are on the property, according to The Hawaii Tribune-Herald.
The Lalamilo Wind Company is paying $13 million for construction and will sell the electricity to the water department for 27 cents per kilowatt hour. The turbines, which are expected to provide 75 percent to 80 percent of the wells’ needs, will save the department about $1 million annually.
Last month, Hitachi said it will begin producing nacelles for 5 MW wind turbines by end of March, 2016. The company already makes nacelles for 2 MW systems.
