Work

Assessment of the theoretical potential of onshore wind power plants in Poland in the context of the required distance from residential buildings

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The study aims to assess how the theoretical potential of wind power plants in Poland changes depending on the mandatory distance from residential buildings. The legal distance between wind turbines and residential buildings is often the subject matter of the dispute. In this study, the theoretical potential is considered from three aspects: accessible land, installed capacity, and electricity production. The result of this investigation is the estimation of the theoretical potential of wind energy in Poland in relation to the required distance mentioned. The outcome of this paper confirms that the available area for wind energy development and, consequently, their theoretical potential are strongly dependent on the required distance from residential buildings that must be maintained. Nonetheless, with the assumed boundary conditions, it seems that even with the 1,200 m and 1,000 m legal distance, there is a wide accessible area in Poland for the wind power plants development. The result of the performed analysis demonstrates that wind energy is capable of satisfying a large part of the electricity demand in Poland. Interestingly, with smaller required distance between wind turbines and residential buildings, theoretical potential in terms of electricity yield significantly exceeds current electrical energy demand.

Source: Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assessments

DOI: 10.1016/j.seta.2025.104250

Author: Szymon Pelczar

Institution: AGH University of Krakow

Language: English

Topic: Wind Energy Research and Development

Subfield: Aerospace Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Affordable and clean energy, Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Sustainable cities and communities

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,610