Wind Energy in Transition: Development, Socio-Economic Impacts, and Policy Challenges in Europe

Henryk Wojtaszek (), Piotr Borowski, Mikołaj Handschke, Ireneusz Miciuła, Adam Stecyk, Anna Bielawa, Sławomir Ozdyk, Anna Kowalczyk and Filip Czepło
Additional contact information
Henryk Wojtaszek: College of Economics and Management, SGMK Nicolaus Copernicus Superior School, 00-695 Warsaw, Poland
Piotr Borowski: College of Economics and Management, SGMK Nicolaus Copernicus Superior School, 00-695 Warsaw, Poland
Mikołaj Handschke: College of Economics and Management, SGMK Nicolaus Copernicus Superior School, 00-695 Warsaw, Poland
Ireneusz Miciuła: Institute of Economics and Finance, University of Szczecin, 70-453 Szczecin, Poland
Adam Stecyk: Institute of Spatial Management and Socio-Economic Geography, University of Szczecin, 70-453 Szczecin, Poland
Anna Bielawa: Department of Enterprise Management, Institute of Management, University of Szczecin, 70-453 Szczecin, Poland
Sławomir Ozdyk: Institute of Political Science and Security Studies, University of Szczecin, 70-453 Szczecin, Poland
Anna Kowalczyk: Faculty of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, WSB Merito University in Warsaw, Łabiszyńska 25, 03-204 Warsaw, Poland
Filip Czepło: Institute of Management, Khazar University, Bakoe 1009, Azerbaijan

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 11, 1-29

Abstract: 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.

Keywords: wind energy; renewable energy transition; energy policy; per capita wind capacity; floating offshore wind; community engagement; wind energy economics; Poland; European Union; energy infrastructure (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
References: Add references at CitEc
Citations:

Downloads: (external link)
https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/18/11/2811/pdf (application/pdf)
https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/18/11/2811/ (text/html)

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:11:p:2811-:d:1666612

Access Statistics for this article

Energies is currently edited by Ms. Agatha Cao

More articles in Energies from MDPI
Bibliographic data for series maintained by MDPI Indexing Manager ().