Site Selection of Wind Farms in Poland: Combining Theory with Reality

Abstract

With global shifts towards sustainable energy models, the urgency to address rising fossil fuel prices, military conflicts, and climate change concerns has become evident. The article aims to identify the development of wind energy in Poland. This study introduces an integrated methodology for enhancing renewable energy capacities by selecting new construction sites for onshore wind farms across Poland. The proposed methodology utilises a hybrid model incorporating multiple criteria decision-making methods, such as the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS), alongside the semiautomated spatial analysis method using QGiS software (v. 3.32 Lima). The model considers economic, social, and environmental criteria and limitations, offering a comprehensive approach to the decision-making process. It was found that wind farms occupy 460.7 km2 in Poland, with a 250 m buffer around each turbine and a total power capacity of 5818 MW. The results show that an additional 7555.91 km2 of selected areas, 2.34% of the country’s area, theoretically offer significant opportunities for wind energy development. The spatial analysis identifies potential sites with promising opportunities for domestic and international renewable energy investors. The study’s findings contribute towards achieving national and EU renewable energy targets while offering a replicable framework for informed spatial planning decisions in other regions.