A 60MW early stage wind project in Hawaii proposed by US developer NextEra Energy Resources has cleared a major hurdle.
The Hawaiian Homes Commission voted unanimously to approve an initial three-year right-of-entry permit allowing NextEra subsidiary Boulevard Associates to survey 500 acres on the southern coast of Maui.
The commission initiated the project and invited developers to bid for development rights to the Kahikinui wind project. Florida-based NextEra was selected in January 2015.
The developer proposes to erect 20 3MW turbines. NextEra must secure several permits and a power purchase agreement with the Maui Electric Company, which would then be submitted to state regulators for approval. A $300,000-a-year community benefits package is to be finalized after a PPA is executed.
The Kahikinui wind farm could be completed by 2020, said NextEra.
Image: (NextEra)
