Good news from the Administration today as Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced that the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) will provide the Kahuku Wind Power project in Kahuku, Hawaii, with a $117 million loan guarantee to help complete the development of an innovative 30 megawatt (MW) wind power plant that will supply electricity to approximately 7,700 households per year and create over 200 jobs on the island of Oahu.

In a statement, Secretary Chu said the project was an “example of America’s leadership in the global clean energy economy” and noted the Energy Department saw such projects  as helping to add jobs in the short-term and create the “foundation for additional job creation in the long term.”

Both Hawaii Sens. Inouye and Akaka and Congresswoman Mazie K. Hirono praised the loan guarantee:

Sen. Inouye: “This project represents what our national energy policy is attempting to accomplish: clean energy displacing imported oil in Hawaii to generate electricity, and in the process reducing our carbon output and creating green jobs.”

Sen. Akaka: “The Kahuku wind project will bring Hawaii 30 MW closer to energy independence. Reducing our reliance on imported oil will mean cleaner skies and more local jobs. This project is an important step forward.”

Congresswoman Hirono: “The Kahuku Wind Project is the type of project that Hawaii needs to reduce our dependence on foreign oil and keep billions of dollars in our economy.”

Let’s hope this support continues as we look to expand the use of solar and other renewable energy projects throughout the state.

Check out other DOE renewable energy loan commitments here.

Kahuku wind: