Kawailoa Wind: 69 MW Onshore Wind Farm in Hawaii, United States

Kawailoa Wind is an onshore wind farm located in Hawaii, United States, with a capacity of 69 megawatts (MW). The facility is owned by Kawailoa Wind LLC and is currently operational, playing a role in the state's renewable energy portfolio. The wind farm utilizes wind turbines to generate electricity, a common technology in the onshore wind sector. Hawaii has set ambitious renewable energy targets, including a 100% renewable portfolio standard by 2045, and facilities like Kawailoa Wind help advance this goal. The regulatory framework in the United States includes federal incentives such as the Production Tax Credit (PTC) and state-level Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS), which support wind energy development. Kawailoa Wind contributes to reducing fossil fuel dependence in Hawaii, where electricity generation historically relies on imported oil. The facility's location on Oahu's North Shore provides consistent wind resources, supporting grid stability and clean energy generation for the island's communities.

The wind farm is situated on Oahu's North Shore, an area with consistent trade winds that are ideal for wind energy generation. While wind power reduces greenhouse gas emissions, it can pose risks to local bird and bat populations. The facility's design and operation likely incorporate measures to minimize wildlife impacts, such as turbine siting and operational curtailments during migration periods.