Thinking 'Sustainability' Every Step Of The Way.

Energy Source & Distribution
Wednesday 1/8/2007 Page: 42

Roaring 40s are at the forefront of creating sustainable energy projects. But their belief of sustainability extends much further than generating power from the wind. Following on from strategic agreements signed between Roaring 40s and its business partners, over 350mw of energy is now being developed through seven projects across China alone.

In undertaking these important partnerships, Roaring 40s has ensured that every project is developed in a sustainable and responsible way. Before any wind farm development project can proceed, community consultation and appropriate statutory approvals are sought. Each project site also takes into account the development goals of the particular country. And prior to the commencement of any construction, extensive field surveys are undertaken including the collation of data on flora and fauna, noise levels, as well as heritage, social, economic and visual values.

Roaring 40s then develops management plans for each site to ensure that the on-going re-assessment of environmental factors will continue throughout the full life cycle of each project. Roaring 40s also carefully considers the benefits to each community. For example, the Datong Wind Farm site, located in the north-eastern province of Jilin, is being developed on unpopulated wasteland. The development of this wind farm project will see areas such as this turned into a valuable asset with positive economic flow-on benefits for nearby communities. Short to medium term jobs will be created by the construction phase. Additional opportunities should also arise through the implementation of local tourism initiatives, with a flow-on of economic and social benefits.

When completed, the Datong Wind Farm alone will produce enough clean energy to power at least 100,000 homes and save around 110,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases each year. Through 13 projects across Oceania, including these seven projects in China, Roaring 40s is thinking sustainability every step of the way. This is the key to more than 'just' energy generation. This is the key to creating a long-term and responsible future.