Day: 25 July 2025

Wind power plays a key role in today’s energy transition as one of the most efficient renewable energy sources available. However, the development of this technology involves more than just engineering or environmental issues – it also touches on important social, political, and economic processes.

As wind energy becomes increasingly significant, questions, concerns, and misconceptions often arise – especially at the local level – which can influence how such investments are perceived.

That’s why in this article we take a closer look at the most common myths about wind turbines. Our goal is to clarify the facts and provide reliable, evidence-based information – along with sources – to help better understand this technology and its real impact on the surrounding environment.

Common Myths About Wind Technology

Myth 1: Wind turbines produce harmful noise

Noise is one of the most common concerns raised by residents living near proposed wind power installations. However, it’s important to clarify that – thanks to modern technology and strict legal regulations – it is simply not possible to build a wind farm that would have harmful health effects on people living nearby.

When it comes to health and noise, it’s worth highlighting a comprehensive study conducted by scientists from the Polish Academy of Sciences. Their findings were published in the report “Wind Power Plants in the Human Environment”, a joint effort involving 37 researchers.

Noise levels around wind farms have been carefully monitored and tested over the years. The conclusion? Modern wind turbines, when placed at a safe distance, do not produce continuous noise at levels harmful to human health.

At the currently proposed minimum distance of 500 meters between a wind turbine and residential buildings, the sound level does not exceed 40 dB (decibels). This is well within safe standards and does not pose a risk to health. For comparison, this level of sound is similar to the ambient noise in a quiet library.

To better understand how much noise a modern wind turbine generates, it helps to compare it to everyday household appliances:

The conversation – 60 dB

The fridge – 45 dB

The vacuum cleaner – 55 dB

The clock – 35 dB

Wind Energy Benefits

Wind power plays a crucial role in today’s energy systems. It enables the production of electricity in a way that is both environmentally friendly and increasingly cost-effective.

Investments in wind energy help us breathe cleaner air, support the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, and protect the health of current and future generations.

Wind is a free source of electricity – by harnessing it, we can reduce our reliance on costly and harmful resources like coal and gas. The environmental benefits of this transition are substantial.

What’s more, while the cost of fossil fuel-based energy continues to rise, the cost of wind power is steadily falling. This is thanks to technological advancements that are making wind turbines more efficient and more accessible than ever before.

Building wind farms also means that Poland becomes less dependent on expensive, polluting fossil fuels and imported energy. It’s a smart investment – economically, environmentally, and socially.

And the wind energy benefits don’t stop there.

The growth of wind energy also brings significant economic (and other!) benefits to the municipalities where wind farms are located, as well as to landowners who lease their land for large-scale wind projects.

What Are the Wind Energy Benfits for Landowners? Land Leasing for Wind Farms

In many cases, the land used for renewable energy – especially solar – is of low agricultural value and not suitable for farming. Modern technologies are helping address this reality. One example is agrivoltaics, an innovative solution that combines agricultural activity with photovoltaic installations, making better use of underutilized land.

🔍︎ Read more in our article: Agrivoltaics in Poland: A Future Technology Transforming Agriculture and Renewable Energy

When it comes to wind energy, however, land use looks a bit different. Wind turbines are a modern solution that don’t require taking valuable space away from farming or animal husbandry. Since turbines are installed in specific, spaced-out locations, the surrounding land remains fully usable for agricultural purposes.

That’s why leasing land for wind energy development can become an additional, stable source of income for farms – one that is independent of weather conditions or fluctuating crop prices. It’s a potential financial boost that supports farm growth and offers long-term security.

A great example comes from Denmark, where by 2025, nearly 80% of the national energy mix is generated from renewable sources. The Danish model shows us how modern wind farms can successfully coexist with agricultural operations. In Poland, too, we’re increasingly seeing that wind energy can be effectively integrated with farming and livestock activities.

Leasing Land for Wind Turbines – Initial and Base Rent

Initial rent and base rent are key components of land lease agreements for renewable energy projects, including large-scale wind farms.

The initial rent applies from the moment the lease agreement is signed until the start of construction. The base rent, on the other hand, begins once construction work starts and continues throughout the lease period. Both types of rent provide regular income for landowners, with payment frequency – annually, semi-annually, or quarterly – agreed upon individually.

At Electrum Ventures, we cover this area in detail as part of our wind power development projects. The payment terms are carefully defined when signing the lease agreement.

Leasing your land for wind energy projects means guaranteed, long-term income.

Check your land’s potential.

>> You can assess your plot’s potential by filling out the form on our website >>

🔍︎ Want to learn more about initial and base rent in wind energy lease agreements? Read our full article here >>

Economic Benefits for Local Communities

Let’s take a closer look at how wind farms contribute to local economies – specifically to the municipalities where they are built.

For many residents and investors, the presence of renewable energy sources signals that a region is growing and open to modern solutions. Wind energy investments attract capital, which brings tangible benefits: improved infrastructure, better access roads, enhanced transportation links, and new services.

Wind farms provide municipalities with stable revenue streams for up to 20 years – primarily through tax income. We’re talking about millions of złoty added to local budgets each year.

This additional funding allows local governments to plan spending more effectively, carry out long-term investments, support tourism development, and promote the region.

New Jobs for Local Communities

Building wind farms also means creating new jobs – during the development and construction phases, as well as throughout the operation of the wind farm. Wind energy projects generate employment for turbine installation and maintenance specialists, security services, and equipment operators, among others.

At Electrum Ventures, we actively seek collaboration with local subcontractors right from the project planning stage. We value working with people who understand the region and its local character. That’s why we invite experts such as environmental specialists, urban planners, surveyors, and geologists to join us – professionals whose knowledge and experience directly contribute to the successful development of wind power.

If you’re a local expert in one of these fields, feel free to reach out at electrum@electrum.pl.

Wind Energy Benefits – A Summary of the Benefits

Wind power brings a wide range of benefits for local communities and the broader energy system. Here’s what makes it a smart investment:

• Lower cost of electricity generation – thanks to zero fuel costs, low turbine maintenance expenses, and no CO₂ emissions.
• New regional jobs – in construction, operation, maintenance, and security services.
• Cleaner air, healthier communities – wind farms reduce air pollution, helping lower the incidence of illnesses linked to smog.
• A new source of income for municipalities – tax revenue from wind farms can support local infrastructure projects such as roads, sidewalks, lighting, water systems, schools, and kindergartens.
• Additional income for landowners – land can be leased for wind turbine installation.
• Greater energy security for the country – wind and solar farms diversify the sources of electricity generation.
• Increased investment appeal of the region – wind turbines signal that a municipality is forward-thinking and open to innovative technologies.