Moving this island nation to sustainable community wind energy
Read moreMoving this island nation to sustainable, community wind energy
Moving this island nation to sustainable, community wind energy
This project is located in the Prony and Mont Kaféaté regions of New Caledonia, an island nation in the South Pacific.
The Prony Wind Power project was commissioned as part of a renewable energy development plan in French Overseas Territory in 2004. Around 80% of New Caledonia’s energy was being supplied through fossil fuel. Being a small island nation in the middle of the South Pacific, this country is especially susceptible to the effects of global warming, and so action was needed.
By providing green energy from 116 turbines to the local power grid, this project's green energy output will foster climate awareness and action. The two farms will generate an annual average of 40,000 MWh, the turbines are designed to withstand the volatile weather conditions in the South Pacific, increasing the sustainability & security of energy supply. Their strength was tested and proven during the landfall of Cyclone Jasmine in 2012; although the islands were devastated, the turbines remained standing.
Wind is one of the best renewable sources of energy. Although a complete shift from fossil fuel-based energy to wind energy isn’t a viable task for any country no matter the size, every little bit helps. As New Caledonia accommodates over 300,000 Australian tourists a year, we have an unspoken obligation to assist them in protecting our planet.
Not only does the project offset an average of 32,000 tCO2 every year, but the employment opportunities for this project are reserved to New Caledonia’s indigenous population, boosting standard of living for those involved. The project owners are also strengthening the country’s welfare, promoting climate awareness through programs within schools and community groups.
We’ve partnered with South Pole, a team of seasoned experts and absolute legends in climate change and the leading developer of international emission reduction projects.
The Prony wind farm project is the first Gold Standard Verified project in the Pacific, an indicator of the move towards climate action beyond developed nations. The Gold Standard, established in 2003 by WWF, manages best practice standards for climate and sustainable development projects.
📷 Photos courtesy of South Pole.