Arson attack stopped at Statkraft's wind project in Chile

Norwegian power company Statkraft A/S said that an attempted arson attack occurred at the site of its wind farm project in Litueche, central Chile.

According to Statkraft’s Chilean unit, a group of unknown individuals showed up at the Los Cerrillos wind project site on May 28 with plans to set fire to the barriers and safety signs that protect workers from the vehicle traffic.

The individuals attempted to commit arson by piling the wooden barriers, tires and an accelerant, but their actions were frustrated by police, firefighters and security personnel which prevented the fire from spreading, Statkraft said in a press release on Tuesday.

The company said that it is preparing to file a complaint with the regional prosecutor’s office.

In the press release, Statkraft Chile did not identify the individuals, nor did it mention the reasons behind the attack, which occurred in an area prone to forest fires causing additional concern. The statement focused on Statkraft’s efforts to establish a communications channel and meetings with the Litueche communities. The company said that dialogue is the only way to resolve any disputes, and that it will not engage with groups that carry out or support violent actions.

Statkraft arrived in the Litueche area in 2019 after acquiring the Los Cerrillos, Cardonal and Manantiales wind projects. All three wind farms are now under construction.

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