Sempra Generation has signed a 20-year contract with Maui Electric Company to sell 21MW of the power generated from its Auwahi Wind project.

The construction of the Auwahi Wind project in the south-eastern region of Maui is expected to commence by early 2012 and it is currently under an environmental review.

Once completed, the plant is expected to generate energy sufficient to power about 10,000 homes in Maui.

The energy generated from the Auwahi Wind project will help Hawaii meet its goal of generating 40% of electricity from renewable sources by 2030.

The battery storage unit of the plant is capable of storing 12MWh of wind energy, which can be used to maintain smooth intermittent wind power supply.