Our Journey of Protest

 

Yuanli Self-Help Organization against Wind Turbines supports the development of sustainable energy in Taiwan; however, we are against the inappropriate construction of wind turbines that are too close to residential areas.  This construction not only disregards people’s safety and health but also destroys the coastal environment. In addition, we are firmly opposed to vicious measures and tricks played by InfraVest Wind Power Co., a German company, to intentionally ignore local voices and to coerce protestors throughout the process.  Furthermore, we are deeply concerned that the behavior of InfraVest has seriously undermined and damaged the future and credibility of wind power development in Taiwan.

Last September, local residents in Yuanli were suddenly invited by InfraVest to attend an orientation about their construction plans.  It was the first time that local residents realized there would be several large wind turbines as tall as 120 meters built near their houses.  In order to understand the impact caused by the development project, the residents did some field research in other towns with wind farms, such as Houlong and Dajia, and talked to the people living nearby the turbines.  From the visit, they realized that these people are suffering from several disturbing symptoms.  Certain people have insomnia because of the constant noise, and some must rely on medication so they can sleep. Some residents suffer from depression since the noises made by wind turbines cause them severe mental stress.

Yuanli residents realized that once the wind turbines are built near their houses, the peaceful living environment in this coastal village will be completely destroyed. Hence, the local residents decided to get together and formed the Yuanli Self-Help Organization against Wind Turbines and started a difficult journey of protest.

During the protest, Yuanli residents went to the Bureau of Energy in Taipei and held several sit-in protests and even a hunger strike, which resulted in several people getting hospitalized. Still, government officials did not respond to the people’s request at all. On the site in Yuanli, where construction was ongoing, the residents’ non-violent protests were met with force and threats from police and private security.  Dozens of protestors were even beaten by police batons and arrested in handcuffs.  Now they face InfraVest pressing charges.

Facing many difficulties, members of the Self-Help Organization still keep their faith in justice. We believe that this battle is not only for Yuanli but also for all those who suffer from improper wind turbine development projects.  We are also determined to defend the future of green development in Taiwan.

We call for all people concerned about Yuanli and renewable energy in Taiwan to stand by us in solidarity and join us on this long and tough journey to protect our communities.

Yuanli Self-Help Organization against Wind Turbines

05.2013

more information https://www.facebook.com/YuanLicarzywindmills