Originally published January 25 2005
Wind farms expected to develop in Hawaii, among other states
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
A federal tax credit for renewable energy sources that expires at the end of 2005 has inspired development plans of wind turbines around the nation. Three developers have set their sights on the islands of Hawaii and Maui, with plans to increase wind generated power in the state by 500 percent. Other states such as Kansas are rejecting plans for wind farms complaining that the mills will disrupt plants and wildlife in the area.
The developers of three major wind farm proposals are gearing up for construction, aiming to become operational before the end of the year.
The move would increase the state's wind-generated power by more than 500 percent and provide enough energy to light up almost 20,000 homes.
The American Wind Energy Association says scores of energy companies are pushing to install thousands of wind turbines in 21 states before a federal tax credit expires at the end of the year.
Nothing is planned for O'ahu yet, although HECO is testing the winds on the Leeward ridges above its Kahe Power Plant in hopes of developing a wind farm that would generate as much as 50 megawatts of electricity.
If the utility ultimately decides to proceed, construction wouldn't start this year, Stahlkopf said.
In addition, Maui Community College is proposing a single wind turbine on its Kahului campus.
The move not only would offset the college's energy costs but train students in its sustainable technology program.
Twenty years ago, the state was a leader in the formative years of the alternative-energy field, spurred by lucrative tax credits.
Last year, President Bush extended the production tax credits for renewable energy sources through Dec. 31, welcoming a new blast of ambitious wind farms across the United States.
In Massachusetts, several major wind-energy proposals have drawn fire from residents concerned that windmills would interfere with wilderness and wildlife or would degrade views from high-priced real estate.
Last month, Vermont banned large wind farms on state land.
Stahlkopf said he's hopeful the renewable-energy tax credits will be reauthorized for next year, and he fully expects more wind farm proposals to come forward in the next few years to take advantage of some of the state's windiest locations.
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