A NEW WIND IS BLOWING ON OʻAHU’S NORTH SHORE
Bennet Group client, AES, a leader in pioneering renewable energy projects throughout Hawaiʻi, is working to complete their Nā Pua Makani wind farm project, near the town of Kahuku on Oʻahu’s North Shore. Wind power is largely applauded as a pollution-free source of energy that displaces fossil fuels contributing to global warming.
Set to begin operation by Summer 2020, Nā Pua Makani features eight state-of-the-art wind turbines, capable of generating enough electricity to power approximately 16,000 homes annually. As one of the lowest-cost electricity resources in Hawaiʻi, Nā Pua Makani will help reduce Oʻahu’s dependence on expensive imported fossil fuels while at the same time improving air quality.
By harnessing the plentiful wind resources of O‘ahu’s North Shore and converting it into renewable, sustainable energy, the Nā Pua Makani project is expected to reduce CO2 greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 70,000 tons, an improvement equivalent to taking approximately 13,000 passenger vehicles off the road for an entire year.
Nā Pua Makani is also dedicated to its surrounding community, supporting vital initiatives in the areas most important to Kahuku and the North Shore through contributions to the development of a North Shore recreation center as well as to local nonprofits and schools.
AES has committed to making an initial contribution of $2.5 million to help make the Recreation Center a reality, upon the successful commercial operation of Nā Pua Makani. In addition, the company has pledged to match other Rec Center contributions, dollar for dollar, up to $1.5 million. To date, Nā Pua Makani has also given $60,000 to North Shore schools and nonprofits, and is committed to giving up to $210,000 before the project begins commercial operation in the Summer of 2020.
A leader in renewable energy, AES has proudly served the people of Hawai‘i since 1991. Its renewable energy projects on Hawai‘i Island, Maui, Kaua‘i and O‘ahu produce and store more than 170 MW to power homes. These projects are helping Hawai‘i achieve its bold goal to power the state with 100% renewable energy by 2045.
For more information on this inspiring project, visit www.napuamakanihawaii.org.