ARE WIND FARMS FEASIBLE ON MOLOKAI?
According to the Wind Energy Resource Atlas of the USA, coastal locations with exposure to tradewinds are ideal for generating clean wind energy. The highest classification of wind power is seven. Molokai’s northeasterly tradewinds and open mountain ranges make it a prime location for wind farming. North, west and central regions of the island have a wind power classification of six. `Ilio point on the northwest corner of the island scores seven. University of Colorado’s Keith Stockton conducted a feasibility study on Molokai’s west end in 2003. According to the study, a 180 megawatt wind farm could supply 10 percent of Oahu’s energy needs via an undersea cable. A wind farm of this scale could produce energy at the cost of 3.22 cents per kilowatt, a tenth of what HECO currently charges Molokai residents. THE FUTURE OF WIND ENERGY ON MOLOKAI Wind is quickly becoming a desired form of alternative energy within the Hawaiian Islands. Competing companies illustrate that Molokai Ranch lands
