Hawaii - Wind power regarded as likely future

Molokai could be a key component to a future of renewable energy in Hawaii. Last Monday, Governor Lingle announced an agreement that looks to wind power from either Lanai or Molokai to supply up to 400 megawatts of electricity to Oahu via undersea cable.

The agreement focuses on the Renewables for Oahu Project which calls for 1,100 megawatts of additional renewable energy, 700 of which will be implemented within five years. Oahu's current total energy capacity is 1,700 megawatts.

According to the initiative, in order to achieve substantially greater use of wind power on Oahu, where most of the electric power in the State is consumed, it is necessary to transmit the electricity by undersea cable. Initial focus of the plan is to connect a single wind developer from either Molokai or Lanai.