Vestas has announced it is launching the first phase of a global campaign to separate myths from facts and channel public support toward political action favoring wind energy. The company says the Act on Facts campaign embodies a unique approach to dealing with significant business challenges, integrating multiple marketing, communications, and public affairs channels and platforms.
‘The wind industry is being attacked by media-savvy and politically influential adversaries who often display a brazen disregard for factual information. The Act on Facts campaign is our way of fighting back," comments Morten Albæk, Vestas Group senior vice president.
Today, Albæk is joining other wind energy stakeholders at a launch event in Australia, a region the company says is a hotbed of anti-wind activity. The event will feature a live panel discussion about the tactics used by anti-wind energy activist groups and what the wind industry can do to counter the claims and convert the so-called "quiet majority" of wind energy supporters into active campaigners.
Together with wind energy players such as Infigen Energy Managing Director Miles George and a panel of experts on climate, health and regional development, Albæk will officially unveil the Act on Facts campaign, including the Web portal actonfacts.org. According to Vestas, the portal features well-documented information to help dispel the scare tactics used by anti-wind activists, as well as up-to-date information on pro-wind initiatives in which local citizens can engage.
Albæk describes Act on Facts as a "bold stroke" to counter anti-wind activists. "Veering off the well-trodden public relations path entails risks," he says. "But playing it safe is even riskier."
