What is Fortech?
Fortech was founded in September 2000 by Chris Derde and Vivi Martens with the intention of developing sustainable and innovative projects. Human wellbeing depends on both a well-functioning economy and a responsible environment. Today Fortech is supported by 23 partners, individuals and (agricultural) companies from Waasland. They make sure that their business is financially healthy, but do not make an excessive profit. Managing the invested money properly and continuing to pioneer are our main tasks – to producing 100% renewable energy – is their goal. The structure separates ‘Fortech’ from ‘Wase Wind’, which enables them to limit the risks for the co-operators and allows us to supply profitable wind power.
What have they accomplished?
Three wind turbines alongside a major motorway in Kruibeke, Belgium, have been producing electricity from wind energy since 2005. This production corresponds to half of the household consumption of the 15,000 residents of greater Kruibeke.
The company also constructed the ‘Braemland II’ wind project on the opposite side of the E17 motorway in Melsele. This has produced green electricity for 2,300 families since 2009. The electricity is offered by the cvba (cooperative) Wase Wind to families and agricultural and other companies in the river Waas area.
