One of Europe’s top wind power generators, DONG Energy and leading engineering, sciences and project delivery firm, Sinclair Knight Merz (SKM) have pledged their support for the Koru Foundation by becoming ‘Friends’ of the charity.

Both companies announced their support for the Koru Foundation at the BWEA’s 31st annual conference in October where the Koru Foundation was exhibiting as the chosen charity of the BWEA. Keith Tyrell, Koru Foundation Programme Director said, “I’m really pleased and excited that DONG Energy and SKM have decided to become core sponsors of the Foundation. It’s a huge honour that they have recognised the value of our work and want to help us tackle poverty in the developing world”.

This three year partnership with DONG Energy and SKM will allow the Foundation to grow in scale and provide clean, sustainable sources of power to even more communities. Per Hjelmsted, Director of Wind Development at DONG Energy who met with Keith Tyrell at BWEA 31 said "As a world leader in construction of offshore Wind Farms and with huge experience in effective energy production, it is natural for DONG Energy to support the Koru Foundation and their work by providing sustainable energy solutions for the third world. The solutions are often simple but have an enormous impact on local societies, and as a responsible company DONG Energy are looking forward to participating and making this happen”.

DONG Energy and SKM join other leading renewable energy companies Airtricity, Ascot Renewco and Natural Power who have witnessed the difference their support as Friends of the Foundation has made over the last two years. During this time, Koru has grown dramatically and doubled the number of projects it has funded. Stuart Hall, Director and Founder of Natural Power who were one of the Koru Foundation's first Friends explained that, “Natural Power may have grown in size and scope over the years but we have never lost sight of our desire to use renewable energy to bring about social and environmental change, as well as succeeding as a commercial organisation, and by continuing to support the work of the Koru Foundation we are able to fulfill that desire and see the real changes that being a Friend has brought about”.

Sinclair Knight Merz’s European Chief Operating Officer, Peter MacKellar is similarly excited about the difference SKM will be able to make to poor communities in the developing world by supporting the Koru Foundation, “Our corporate purpose is to deliver a positive and enduring impact on the world. We are working to embed sustainability into our approach to each and every project, to the choices of projects to work on, and the clients we work with. Sustainability is now central to everything we do. Becoming a ‘Friend’ of the Koru Foundation is a key part of SKM’s commitment towards a sustainable future.”

If your company is interested in finding out more about the opportunity to become a Friend of the Koru Foundation, please contact Keith Tyrell on 01273 606 685 or email keith@korufoundation.org