Giving back to communities in Poland: Summer 2016

Several community initiatives were supported by EDPR and took place across Poland between July and October. They demonstrate that EDPR isn’t only an engine for economic development in the areas where it operates, but also a social responsible company that aims to make a positive impact in those communities. Whether it was hosting fun and educational activities for schoolchildren in Tomaszów, contributing to the strength of Mikulin’s cultural associations, or challenging university students in Warsaw to get involved and learn about renewable technologies, EDPR is constantly working to put its principles into action and positively impact local residents’ quality of life in communities all over Poland.

Wind farm events in Margonin and Tomaszów

EDPR held a science picnic event in Margonin on Oct. 18 to encourage an interest in science and renewable energy among local families. The company prepared activities and presentations to educate people of all ages about wind energy and their local wind farm.

In Tomaszów, EDPR hosted an educational tour for 20 visitors, including local authorities and opinion leaders from Ukraine. The guests visited the town’s power station and wind farm and learned about wind power and the importance of the investment for local communities. Fostering these kinds of connections and understanding builds support for the green energy sector.

Engaging opinion leaders

One of EDPR’s priorities is maintaining closeness and keeping an ongoing dialogue with local opinion leaders. In July, representatives from EDPR participated in a Convention for the Lublin Province Districts and presented the results of a wind farm investment in the Tomaszów District.

EDPR also attended the Eastern Local Government Economic Forum, in Poland, on the economic impact of local and EU regulations. Representatives from our company presented the results of a wind farm investment in the Tomaszów District and led a discussion about the advantages of renewable energy.

At another event at the headquarters of the district fire department in Tomaszów Lubelski, EDPR Poland representatives carried out emergency drills for a group of high-altitude rescue brigades. The exercise included a presentation about the functioning of wind turbines, which was followed by practical exercises.

Cultural events in Przeworsk, Mikulin and Ilża

EDPR was also involved in several cultural and recreational events in the community in September. The company sponsored a harvest festival in Przeworsk and the Summer Night event organized by a housewives’ association in Mikulin.

For the third consecutive year, EDPR supported local authorities as they prepared for the Ilża Half Marathon, one of the community’s most popular events. This year, EDPR amped up its participation by sponsoring activities and prizes for children during the event.

By getting involved in the local community’s cultural life and investing in their safety, EDPR continues to build stronger relationships with stakeholders in the local community.

Getting involved at schools and universities in Warsaw and Tomaszów

On Sept. 30, the winners of the first EDPR University Challenge in Poland were recognized. The awards ceremony, held at the Cervantes Institute in Warsaw, was led by João Manso Neto, CEO of EDPR, who was accompanied by executives from EDPR in Poland. The winning project was titled “Multi-Level Large Vertical Axis Wind Turbine Concept” and was submitted by Xavier Camps, Marco Kuźma, Miriam Ruiz Pena, Grigory Dudnik, all students from the Warsaw University of Technology.

At a technical school in Tomaszów, EDPR led an educational lesson and tour to teach students about wind energy and their local wind farm. After the lesson, the students had an opportunity to tour the power station and a wind turbine.

Through activities in school environments, EDPR promotes and develops knowledge of young talent and encourages innovation and creativity within the academic community, while also fostering a connection between schools and the business world.