Hawaiian Electric Co. will receive $750,000 in federal stimulus money to develop wind power initiatives, U.S. Sens. Daniel Akaka and Daniel K. Inouye announced yesterday.

The grant, from the U.S. Department of Energy, will support HECO's Hawaii Utility Integration Initiatives.

"Grants like this will help Hawai'i as we continue to strive for energy independence through the creation of renewable power solutions that utilize our unique access to wind, water, solar and other sustainable resources," the senators said in a statement.

Wind farm projects are operating on Maui and the Big Island. Other projects are being planned for Kahuku, Maui and Lana'i.