Hawaii Energy Woes Approaching Solutions

Hawaii's energy troubles are looking toward a brighter and more sustainable future, based on recent information about the use of Smart Grid technology and wind farms. The state is currently reviewing a massive project to run undersea power cables between Lanai, Molokai, Oahu and Maui. The bidding process for a company that can conduct an environmental impact study on this process is underway.

The cable will be at least 30 miles long and its purpose would be to tie the islands together on one electrical grid so that renewable energy generated in Maui county could be used in Oahu where most of the state's electricity is consumed. Not only is Maui's wind farm a proposed source of renewable energy, but so are two more proposed wind farms on the islands of Molokai and Lanai.

Hawaiian Electric Co. announced that it would buy 200 megawatts from both Castle & Cooke Hawaii, which is proposing the construction of the Lanai wind farm, and First Wind, which is planning the Molokai wind farm. The total 400 megawatts purchased could provide power for a full third of Honolulu.

As for the contract for the environmental impact study, the winning bid should be decided by the end of the year. UH was awarded a contract for one and a half million dollars in June for a survey of the ocean floor between the Hawaiian islands in order to find the best routes for the cables.

If you are looking for East Maui real estate, we reccommend a look at our collection of North Shore Maui condo listings and Haiku homes for sale. Have a look at our Maui Real Estate Specialists page in order to learn more about Jim Sanders Realty. If you need any real estate assistance, please email us at info@jimsandersrealty.com or call (808) 579-8255. Mahalo for reading and have a great weekend!