At a glance
The Cururos Wind Farm Project aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions by generating renewable energy and feeding it into the local grid in the Coquimbo Region, Chile. It involves the implementation of two wind farms called ‘El Pacifico’ and ‘La Cebada’, that have a total installed capacity of 109.6 MW and an average generation of 290 GWh per year. The wind farm is connected to the Central Interconnected System (SIC). The project will create jobs for local residents during construction and sustain employment through ongoing operation and maintenance. It also enhances employee skills, building sector experience and supports local development by generating new income streams.
CO₂ benefits
The project significantly contributes to the region’s sustainable development by replacing traditional fossil fuel-based power generation with clean renewable wind power. This reduces the country’s reliance on non-renewable resources, which are currently very limited in supply. The shift lowers emissions of pollutants to the atmosphere like sulphur oxides (SOx), nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), and particulate matter, typically produced with the local combustion of fossil fuels. The project is expected to reduce an average of 197,424 tons of CO2 per year, totaling 1,381,968 tons over the 7-year renewable crediting period.
Biodiversity benefits
The project's environmental impacts are considered minor because it doesn't harm local animal populations or natural resources. Local authorities conducted an impact assessment, closely monitoring the region's animal colonies. Importantly, there are no endangered species in the project area, nor does it harm areas with such species through transboundary effects. After construction, a land recovery and reforestation plan with native species is implemented, restoring the land’s soil and local environment. Next to that, vegetation will be replanted, continuously monitored, and local fauna protected, rescued, or relocated if needed. Lastly, the project doesn't lead to increased soil erosion or instability in water bodies.
Socio-economic benefits
The project boosts local development and levels of income by generating new income opportunities for community members, both directly and indirectly, during construction, operations, and ongoing maintenance. It actively promotes technology transfer and self-reliance by enhancing the skills of its employees. This engagement with the local community also inspires young people to pursue careers that make them eligible for other renewable projects in the region. Furthermore, the project builds expertise within the sector, reinforcing institutional capabilities and bolstering investor confidence in this technology.
Project gallery
Location of the project
Project verification
This project is verified by Gold Standard. The Gold Standard was established in 2003 by WWF and other international NGO’s. It is a voluntary carbon offset program focused on progressing the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and ensuring that project’s benefit their neighboring communities. The certification mark is awarded and managed by the Gold Standard Foundation, a non-profit foundation.
