Sempra buys Shell wind farm

• 15 years ago (2009-10-20)
• Junior Isles

North America 1022 Renewables 777

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Sempra Generation is paying an undisclosed sum to acquire Hawaii-based Auwahi Wind Energy from the Royal Dutch Shell subsidiary Shell WindEnergy. Auwahi is developing a 22MW wind farm on the Ulupalakua Ranch in south easterm Maui.

Construction is expected to begin in 2011, and is scheduled for completion in 2012. The project will include a battery storage system capable of storing up to 28MWh of electricity, enabling electricity generated by the turbines at off-peak times to be saved for periods of high demand.

Shell is focusing its wind energy investment on the mainland USA and Canada. The firm’s portfolio in North America comprises eight wind farms in the USA with a combined capacity of close to 900MW.

Sempra has applied to the US Department of Energy for funding to support the expansion of the energy storage facility to 71MWh.