Wind Energy in Transition: Development, Socio-Economic Impacts, and Policy Challenges in Europe
Wind energy has emerged as a strategic pillar in the global energy transition, offering both environmental and economic benefits. This comprehensive review explores the development of wind energy with a focus on the regulatory, socio-economic, and technological challenges that shape its deployment i...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2025-05-01
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| Series: | Energies |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/18/11/2811 |
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| author | Henryk Wojtaszek Piotr F. Borowski Mikołaj Handschke Ireneusz Miciuła Adam Stecyk Anna Bielawa Sławomir Ozdyk Anna Kowalczyk Filip Czepło |
| author_facet | Henryk Wojtaszek Piotr F. Borowski Mikołaj Handschke Ireneusz Miciuła Adam Stecyk Anna Bielawa Sławomir Ozdyk Anna Kowalczyk Filip Czepło |
| author_sort | Henryk Wojtaszek |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Wind energy has emerged as a strategic pillar in the global energy transition, offering both environmental and economic benefits. This comprehensive review explores the development of wind energy with a focus on the regulatory, socio-economic, and technological challenges that shape its deployment in Europe, particularly in Poland. The study highlights disparities between countries in terms of both total and per capita installed capacity, emphasizing the importance of equitable access to renewable energy. Denmark and Germany outperform larger economies like China and India in per capita terms, indicating the significance of effective policy frameworks and public engagement. The article presents detailed case studies of successful wind farm projects across the EU alongside economic evaluations including cost structures, return on investment, and local development impacts. Additionally, the role of innovation—such as floating offshore wind farms and AI-based energy management—is discussed in the context of improving efficiency and overcoming infrastructure and environmental barriers. The analysis is supported by quantitative comparisons, graphical representations, and policy reviews, culminating in practical recommendations for future growth. Wind energy’s expansion depends on integrated strategies that combine policy reform, technological advancement, economic viability, and community participation. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-d8a9bf80118b43808c85f2613f388caf |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 1996-1073 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-05-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Energies |
| spelling | doaj-art-d8a9bf80118b43808c85f2613f388caf2025-08-20T03:46:50ZengMDPI AGEnergies1996-10732025-05-011811281110.3390/en18112811Wind Energy in Transition: Development, Socio-Economic Impacts, and Policy Challenges in EuropeHenryk Wojtaszek0Piotr F. Borowski1Mikołaj Handschke2Ireneusz Miciuła3Adam Stecyk4Anna Bielawa5Sławomir Ozdyk6Anna Kowalczyk7Filip Czepło8College of Economics and Management, SGMK Nicolaus Copernicus Superior School, 00-695 Warsaw, PolandCollege of Economics and Management, SGMK Nicolaus Copernicus Superior School, 00-695 Warsaw, PolandCollege of Economics and Management, SGMK Nicolaus Copernicus Superior School, 00-695 Warsaw, PolandInstitute of Economics and Finance, University of Szczecin, 70-453 Szczecin, PolandInstitute of Spatial Management and Socio-Economic Geography, University of Szczecin, 70-453 Szczecin, PolandDepartment of Enterprise Management, Institute of Management, University of Szczecin, 70-453 Szczecin, PolandInstitute of Political Science and Security Studies, University of Szczecin, 70-453 Szczecin, PolandFaculty of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, WSB Merito University in Warsaw, Łabiszyńska 25, 03-204 Warsaw, PolandPolish Photovoltaic Instalation, 5 Politechniczna Str., 05-110 Jabłonna, PolandWind energy has emerged as a strategic pillar in the global energy transition, offering both environmental and economic benefits. This comprehensive review explores the development of wind energy with a focus on the regulatory, socio-economic, and technological challenges that shape its deployment in Europe, particularly in Poland. The study highlights disparities between countries in terms of both total and per capita installed capacity, emphasizing the importance of equitable access to renewable energy. Denmark and Germany outperform larger economies like China and India in per capita terms, indicating the significance of effective policy frameworks and public engagement. The article presents detailed case studies of successful wind farm projects across the EU alongside economic evaluations including cost structures, return on investment, and local development impacts. Additionally, the role of innovation—such as floating offshore wind farms and AI-based energy management—is discussed in the context of improving efficiency and overcoming infrastructure and environmental barriers. The analysis is supported by quantitative comparisons, graphical representations, and policy reviews, culminating in practical recommendations for future growth. Wind energy’s expansion depends on integrated strategies that combine policy reform, technological advancement, economic viability, and community participation.https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/18/11/2811wind energyrenewable energy transitionenergy policyper capita wind capacityfloating offshore windcommunity engagement |
| spellingShingle | Henryk Wojtaszek Piotr F. Borowski Mikołaj Handschke Ireneusz Miciuła Adam Stecyk Anna Bielawa Sławomir Ozdyk Anna Kowalczyk Filip Czepło Wind Energy in Transition: Development, Socio-Economic Impacts, and Policy Challenges in Europe Energies wind energy renewable energy transition energy policy per capita wind capacity floating offshore wind community engagement |
| title | Wind Energy in Transition: Development, Socio-Economic Impacts, and Policy Challenges in Europe |
| title_full | Wind Energy in Transition: Development, Socio-Economic Impacts, and Policy Challenges in Europe |
| title_fullStr | Wind Energy in Transition: Development, Socio-Economic Impacts, and Policy Challenges in Europe |
| title_full_unstemmed | Wind Energy in Transition: Development, Socio-Economic Impacts, and Policy Challenges in Europe |
| title_short | Wind Energy in Transition: Development, Socio-Economic Impacts, and Policy Challenges in Europe |
| title_sort | wind energy in transition development socio economic impacts and policy challenges in europe |
| topic | wind energy renewable energy transition energy policy per capita wind capacity floating offshore wind community engagement |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/18/11/2811 |
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