englishWind energy - general information
The global demand for energy steadily grows; the climate change due to increases in CO₂ emissions is becoming one of the world’s most pressing environmental problems. Fossil fuel resources such as oil and natural gas are limited, which will cause serious problems for many countries in securing their energy supplies.
Increased energy efficiency combined with renewable energies will become more and more important, as renewable energies are widely available and contribute to a sustainable development of the future.
At present only 1% of the global electricity use originates from wind energy. In countries like Denmark, however, it accounts for 19%, in Spain and Portugal for 9% and in Germany for 6%.
At the end of 2007 about 280 MW had been installed in Poland (0.16% of electricity consumption in 2006). The Government plans for the year 2010 are 2,000 MW of installed power in Poland. Compared to the worldwide installed wind power of 94,000 MW until the end of 2007 this is not considerable yet, however Poland has a vast development capacity and offers many sites with excellent conditions.
Advantages for locals
During the building permission process numerous topics are taken into account. A wind farm will only be granted permission if all legal preconditions are fulfilled. This means that environmental issues are taken into account, the legally binding distances to buildings are observed, etc. This is also valid for cultural or heritage sites of exceptional national and international value.
Agricultural activity can be continued in harmony with the installed wind turbines.
Beside environmental protection, the installation of wind farms has positive impacts on the economic and social development of the region, especially in agricultural and less populated areas. Additional income for farmers, local owner cooperatives and municipalities is generated, which generally increases the purchase power and the standard of living of the population.
During the construction phase the infrastructure as well as transmission lines are improved.
Jobs are created in many areas of activity, both during construction and during the lifetime of a project.
