Sempra Generation has entered into a 20 year contract to sell 21MW of wind energy to Maui Electric Company from the Auwahi Wind project on the Hawaiian island of Maui.

Construction of the wind farm is expected to begin in early 2012 and will be located on the Ulupalakua Ranch in the south-east of the island.

When operational, it will be capable of generating clean electricity that will power about 10,000 typical Maui homes.

Jeffrey Martin, president and CEO of Sempra Generation, said, ‘We are excited to be a part of this growing renewable energy market and look forward to helping advance the sustainability goals of Maui and the state of Hawaii.

He added, ‘In doing so, we also recognise our obligation to responsibly develop this resource in a way that is respectful of the natural environment and the region’s cultural heritage. Sempra Generation takes this responsibility seriously, and we will continue to work in close partnership with the local community to ensure this is a clean energy project Maui residents can be proud of. ‘

Hawaii has the goal of generating 40 per cent of its electricity from renewable power sources by 2030.

The agreement between Maui Electric Company and Sempra Generation is subject to approval by the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission.

Ed Reinhardt, president of Maui Electric Company, said the project had been designed to supply reliable electricity to the island.

‘The addition of battery storage to this project is critical to integrating this intermittent power reliably and we commend Sempra Generation for taking this important step. While we recognise that there is much to be done to reach our 2030 goal, it is clear that diversifying our renewable energy portfolio with sources like wind, solar, wave, biomass, and biofuels is essential to our success,’ he said.