In September 2012, residents of Yuanli Township launched protests against a wind turbine construction project by InfraVest, a German wind power company, after learning that the firm intended to build 14 wind turbines along the coastline. Residents who formed the Yuanli Self-Help Group are concerned about the density and close proximity of turbines to their homes; and scientific reports indicating there could be a correlation between increased health problems and depression and long-term exposure to the low-frequency noise generated. Residents also alleged that private security officers hired by the company used violence against protesters on 8 June 2013.
On 16 June 2013, InfraVest held a mediation meeting with objecting residents (linked article only available in Chinese). However, the two sides failed to reach an agreement, and the company decided to carry on with the project as planned. Also on 16 June, Yuanli Self-Help Group issued astatement, detailing its demands for InfraVest to stop the project and calling on Standard Chartered to reconsider its investment in InfraVest.
Business & Human Rights Resource Centre sought responses to the statement by Yuanli Self-Help Group, and the following news reports:
- “Wind turbine troubles”, Taipei Times, 17 Jun 2013
- "風機協調破局 6座全設 苑裡自救會痛批", Liberty Times (Taiwan), 17 Jun 2013
Company responses:
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