Chile: Communities of Alena Wind Farm Project Visit Cuel Wind Farm in Chile

Thirty  people from the community associations of El Chequen, Chacaico, and Rinconada de Chacaico spent two hours on a guided tour of the wind farm during which they visited the inside of a wind turbine. They gained an understanding into the functioning of the wind farm so that they could imagine how the Alena wind farm will operate in their vicinity once it is constructed.

The Alena wind farm project is also located in the Biobío Region and is due to commence construction during 2016. It will have a capacity of 44 megawatts and will consist of 22 turbines in agricultural land, similar to the Cuel wind farm.

Mainstream Renewable Power’s Community Liaison Officer Daniela Rodriguez (pictured left) said: “We are delighted to welcome communities from other Mainstream projects to the wind farm so that they can see the wind turbines up close and get an understanding into how they work. It was a pleasure to bring this group of people, both young and old, around the wind farm and answer their questions.”

Carmen Ulloa from Chacaico community association said: “My community and I are fascinated with this activity. It was very useful for us to see the inside of a wind farm and understand how it works. We have never had the chance to be so close to a project like this. We believe new projects like Cuel in the region can bring numerous positive impacts to the community.”

The 33 megawatt Cuel Wind Farm has been operating since February 2014 and is owned by Aela Energia, a 60:40 joint venture between Actis, the global pan emerging market private equity firm and Mainstream Renewable Power. Mainstream developed, constructed and is currently operating the wind farm on behalf of Aela Energia.