February 5, 2021
Hawaii

Federal study is underway to figure out cost of floating windfarm in Oahu waters

By Chelsea Davis | Hawaii News Now | February 4, 2021 | www.hawaiinewsnow.com

Floating windfarms can be found in Europe and are being talked about in places like California – and could be a reality in the Hawaiian Islands.

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is studying how much would a floating windfarm cost in waters off Oahu.

However, like the turbines on land, many in Hawaii say they won’t be welcome in Hawaii.

“Looking at the beautiful ocean and beautiful Diamond Head and see ugly windmills in the middle of the ocean,” said Ewa Beach State Sen. Kurt Fevella.

NREL is studying three areas: one between Kaena Point and Kauai, another is an area south of Waikiki, and the third is an area east of Hawaii Kai and northwest of Molokai.

The federal agency says the feedback so far shows Hawaii residents are evenly split on the issue.

“Rural areas are becoming basically the grounds for all the wind turbines and the solar panels in order to feed places like Honolulu and Waikiki. So, if they want to do their share towards 100 percent sustainable energy, then having some off the South Coast makes sense,” said Life of the Land Executive Director Henry Curtis.

Back in 2016, a Danish Developer proposed 51 floating wind turbines secured by anchors and electrical cables 12 miles northwest of Kaena Point.

Several companies are already ready with proposals if the state signs off.

After the cost study is completed, an Environmental Impact Study will take place.

Both Curtis and Fevella raised concerns about the threat to local wildlife.

“With land wind systems, you can actually go out and count the dead carcasses and know what happened. Whereas if a bird flies into a giant turbine at sea and falls into the water and is eaten, you don’t have any record of what’s happened,” said Curtis.

“It’s going to hurt our reef, our fishery,” said Fevella.

To comment on the cost study, click here.

The deadline to submit input is Friday, February 5, 2021.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2021/02/05/federal-study-is-underway-to-figure-out-cost-of-floating-windfarm-in-oahu-waters/