U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu says a wind farm planned for Oahu is using innovative technology and could set an example for other wind farms across the country.
Kahuku Wind Power LLC will use batteries to store energy generated by the farm's wind turbines.
The system will allow Kahuku Wind to deliver a steady supply of power to local utility Hawaiian Electric Co., even as wind levels fluctuate.
The wind farm is also will use advanced wind turbine generators. The facility is expected to be finished late this year or early next year.
Chu spoke to news media in a conference call Tuesday, shortly after the Department of Energy finalized a $117 million loan guarantee for Kahuku Wind Power to build the farm.
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