Benefits for the residents

Benefits of wind farms for residents

Wind farms are not only a benefit to the investors and energy consumers but also to the very residents of the municipality where the farms are located.

Some selected examples of benefits below:

Steady income to the municipal budget from taxes

which will enable, among other things, dynamic development of the municipality by means of modernization and construction of roads and sidewalks, support for schools, kindergartens and senior citizens as well as  development of sports, culture and local transportation.

The profit from taxes on a single wind turbine is in the range of 150,000 – 200,000 PLN which is further multiplied by the number of windmills and the years of their operation. This means millions of zlotys for the residents of the municipality for their local needs.

Lower energy costs for residents

  • 10% of installed capacity allocated for the benefit of community residents
  • maximum power per resident is 2kW for each own energy point
  • if the installed capacity is lower than the total demand of the municipality’s residents, the share of installed capacity is reduced proportionally for each reported energy point.
  • a resident of the municipality signs a contract with the developer and acquires the status of a virtual prosumer for a period of 15 years.

Own inexhaustible source of energy

Wind energy is a resource:

  • inexhaustible,
  • free of charge
  • independent from the availability of fossil fuels

 

While the price of traditional energy sources is rising, the price of renewable energy is falling. This trend is likely to continue, thanks to technological developments that make it possible to increase the efficiency of turbines.

New jobs and investments

The dynamic development of wind energy also means a growing demand for new employees in the aforementioned sector. The new jobs that are being created are a great opportunity not only for people who have graduated from technical schools but also for those who have lost their jobs or simply want to start their career in the energy industry. Specialized courses and trainings are aimed at re-branding willing individuals to work in the future as, for example, wind turbine technicians or service technicians. Such an action has already been prepared for fishermen in Ustka or miners in Silesia.

 

Not without any significance is also the legislation which evolves to prefer green energy in business and especially in the industry. Therefore, entrepreneurs are eager to locate their factories in the vicinity of wind farms, which means that the municipality where such a farm is located has better chance to attract an entrepreneur who will provide not only increased employment, but also tax revenues. In addition, local governments that are active in the field of renewable energy find it easier to apply for external funding, including EU funding.