Oct 18, 2006. /Lesprom Network/. Sodra’s board of directors has resolved in principle to invest in wind power stations at Varo. The first phase involves three wind power stations, a total investment of SEK 74–80 million ($10-10.8 million). According to president and CEO Leif Broden, the intention is to utilize existing industrial land for production of 16-18 GWh per year initially. “Our mills are already major producers of renewable electricity and we believe that the planned wind power stations can meet our return requirements by taking advantage of integration benefits. If the license process is reasonable there is potential for continued investments at Morrum and Monsterеs,” he says. Sodra makes further investment in research and development. The board of directors has also decided to inject a further SEK 50 million ($6.8 million) into Sodra’s research foundation. “The critical long-term research for our forestry operations requires belief in the future and stable financing. Without research and development, our opportunities are choked. Today’s decision shows that we believe in R&D and its future potential,” says Sodra chairman Lars-Eric Еstrom. Sodra is a co-operative of over 35 000 private forest owners in southern Sweden. Together, their estates account for some two million hectares of productive forest land – over half of the privately-owned forest in southern Sweden. In 2004, the group employs over 3 600 people, who work in various roles and from various locations in Sweden, Norway and elsewhere around Europe.