UPC Wind, DOE setting up wind study center on Maui

Newton, Mass.-based UPC Wind Partners announced that it signed a memorandum of understanding with the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory to study the integration of wind technology into Hawaii's utility system.

Under the agreement, UPC said the lab would establish a Remote Research Affiliate Partner Site at UPC's Kaheawa Wind Farm in West Maui.

"Our Kaheawa Wind Farm is an ideal site to aggressively explore what can be done to reduce Hawaii's dependence on imported oil," said Paul Gaynor, president and CEO of UPC.

"We're looking forward to participating in this partnership to help develop new technologies that can grow the wind industry as the leading provider of renewable power in the country."

UPC said it is the first such partner site for the National Renewable Energy Laboratory's wind technology program outside of NREL's base in Colorado.

"The establishment of a presence of the National Wind Technology Center on Maui recognizes our islands' abundant renewable resources, and the advancements we are making to transform Hawaii into one of the world's first economies based primarily on clean energy resources," said Hawaii Governor Linda Lingle.

"This partnership will provide Hawaii with invaluable technical assistance, access to leading-edge research, and relationships with additional national partners as we seek to reduce our reliance on imported fossil fuels."

The company said it would collaborate with the lab on studies to develop advanced wind energy technologies, including energy storage and integration of renewable electricity into Maui's existing electrical grids.

The goal is to help the industry reduce the cost of energy so that wind can compete with traditional energy sources, according to UPC.