Wind Farms’ Location and Geographical Proximity as a Key Factor in Sustainable City Development: Evidence from Poland

Abstract

In this study, the potential impact of wind farm locations on the sustainable development of cities in Poland was evaluated, considering the availability of wind-generated electricity. We analyzed 37 cities in Poland with populations over 100,000. Research indicates that wind farms located 30–80 km from large cities perform best in terms of generating capacity, while greater distances increase transmission costs and energy losses. In Poland, wind farms are primarily situated in the northwestern regions, posing challenges for energy transmission to the southern cities, which are the main centers of energy consumption. The findings show that wind farms with the highest generating capacity are generally about 50 km from major cities. Key factors influencing wind farm locations include technical criteria, economic feasibility, environmental impact, public opinion, and the availability of transmission networks. Sustainable development of wind farms requires strategic cooperation between urban and rural municipalities, joint spatial planning, coordinated land acquisition, and the exchange of know-how.

1. Introduction

The history of human civilization’s development clearly shows that access to various sources of energy has been one of the main factors determining the location and development of cities. Starting from the prehistoric era, where the first settlements developed along rivers due to access to water and hydraulic energy, to the industrial era, where cities grew around coal mines and industrial plants, energy has always been a key factor in shaping the urban map of the world. In today’s times, facing challenges related to climate change and the depletion of traditional sources of energy, renewable energy sources can become a new city-building factor. Cities that invest in renewable energy become more attractive to investors, more sustainable, and more resilient to climate change. The availability of renewable energy, such as wind, solar, or hydro energy, can attract new investments, create new jobs, promote technological innovations, and increase cities’ energy independence. Furthermore, the use of renewable energy sources contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality, which positively impacts the health of residents and the overall quality of life in the city. In this way, renewable energy sources are not only a key element in combating climate change but also a new city-building factor, shaping the development of contemporary cities towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly model of urbanization.

Recent European documents explicitly highlight the special role of wind energy in Europe’s energy transition. Wind power is one of the key pillars of Europe’s accelerating green transformation [1]. The European Union aims to increase installed wind energy capacity from 220 GW to 425 GW by 2030 and 1300 GW by 2050. The Net-Zero Industry Act, Electricity Market Design, and European Wind Power Action Plan aim to accelerate the development of wind energy sources in Europe and simplify administrative procedures and legal frameworks [2,3,4].

They also aim to build a strong, local supply chain to support the domestic market in building new onshore and offshore capacities. It is estimated that the onshore and offshore wind energy sector could bring Poland 200,000 new jobs, with a 75% share of Polish companies and a GDP increase of PLN 450 billion in the coming decades [5]. The condition is to create a resilient, sustainable, and competitive supply chain. For example, Polska Grupa Energetyczna (PGE) has ambitious plans for offshore wind energy, aiming to achieve 2.5 GW of installed capacity by the end of the decade and at least 6.5 GW by 2040, making it the largest investor in the Baltic Sea [6].

Throughout 2021, the connection of new onshore wind farms to the grid has become a recurring phenomenon, signaling a shift towards renewable energy sources as key contributors to the energy mix of Poland. This trend is substantiated by data from Polish Power Grids S.A. and the Energy Market Agency S.A. in Warsaw, highlighting the increasing prominence of onshore wind energy as a cornerstone of sustainable urban energy systems.

As of the end of 2023, Poland’s total onshore wind power capacity reached 3.78% of the EU’s total onshore wind power generation capacity, equivalent to 9.3 GW, with an additional 1.8 GW under construction. Furthermore, Poland currently lacks offshore wind farms compared to the EU’s total offshore capacity of 30 GW. This capacity contributed to wind energy comprising 11% of the country’s electricity production in 2022, which increased to almost 13% in 2023 [7]. As we delve into the dynamics of the onshore wind energy sector in Poland within the context of large cities, it becomes imperative to examine not only the drivers behind this expansion but also the multifaceted challenges and opportunities it presents. From grid integration and energy transmission to land use planning and environmental sustainability, the deployment of onshore wind farms as energy sources for cities necessitates a comprehensive understanding of the intricate interplay between technological advancements, policy frameworks, and socio-economic dynamics.

In this article, we embark on an exploratory journey to unravel the evolving landscape of onshore wind energy in Poland as a pivotal element in the transition towards sustainable cities. Through empirical data analysis, we seek to elucidate the synergies between onshore wind energy deployment and the overarching goals of city development. By shedding light on the challenges, opportunities, and best practices in harnessing onshore wind energy for cities, we endeavor to contribute to the discourse on sustainable urbanization and renewable energy transitions in Poland and beyond.

The aim of this research is to understand the role of wind farms in the sustainable development of cities. These studies aim to determine how wind farms can be integrated into the infrastructure of cities to support their sustainable development, reduce carbon dioxide emissions, and increase energy efficiency.

Research Questions:

• What are the key factors influencing the location of wind farms in the context of spatial proximity to cities?
• How does the distance of wind farms from large cities affect energy transmission efficiency?
• What are the spatial relationships between the locations of wind farms in Poland in relation to large cities?

The development of wind farms carries the potential for a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and increased use of renewable energy in the energy mix. These studies are justified by the need for a better understanding of how to optimally integrate wind farms with urban infrastructure and address challenges related to their location and energy efficiency. Moreover, identifying barriers and factors conducive to the development of wind farms in cities and their nearest spatial proximity may contribute to more effective planning and implementation of sustainable energy projects in the future.

The empirical part will investigate and evaluate the locations of wind farms in Poland in relation to large cities with populations exceeding 100,000 inhabitants. This analysis will allow for the identification of best practices and challenges associated with the location of wind farms in the Polish context, providing valuable insights for further development of sustainable energy in cities.

1.1. What Are the Key Factors for Locating Wind Farms?

The main factors influencing location are typically those that affect a region’s investment attractiveness. Investment attractiveness is defined as a set of regional advantages that help investors achieve their goals, such as reducing operating costs, increasing sales revenues, maximizing net return on investment, and enhancing investment competitiveness [8,9]. These advantages include elements of the geographical environment present in a specific area—such as natural resources, land topography, climatic conditions, human resources, and cultural factors—which become decisive factors if they influence an investor’s choice of location. For location advantages, both socio-economic characteristics and natural features of the environment are crucial, especially for the location of energy companies, biogas plants, and wind farms. Taking into account local conditions and location advantages enables the optimal selection of sites for business activities, ultimately helping to achieve the intended investment objectives.

Locating wind farms involves a complex decision-making process that considers various factors to ensure optimal efficiency and sustainability. The selection of suitable sites for wind farms is crucial for maximizing energy production while minimizing risks and environmental impacts. Several key factors influence the location of wind farms, including technical criteria such as wind conditions, economic considerations, ecological constraints, grid availability, construction conditions, and public opinion [10,11,12,13,14].

Wind energy output, grid availability, and construction conditions are identified as the three primary factors influencing the location of wind farms [11]. The optimal placement of wind farms is essential to ensure the sustainable development of wind energy and to maximize the benefits to local communities [15,16]. Economic factors play a significant role in wind farm siting decisions, as wind farms can bring financial benefits to the areas where they are located [16]. Additionally, the type of turbines used in wind farms is crucial for efficient energy utilization [17].

GIS-based (Geographic Information System) multi-criteria decision-making models have been developed to aid in the selection of suitable wind farm sites, considering ecological, environmental, and socio-economic criteria [18]. These models utilize spatial interpolation techniques to create accurate wind maps of regions, facilitating the identification of areas with the most potential for wind farm development [18]. Multi-criteria decision-making methodologies, such as the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and fuzzy logic, are commonly employed to evaluate and prioritize potential wind farm sites based on a combination of factors [19,20,21].

The availability of adequate wind resources is a critical factor in selecting sites for offshore wind farms, as maximizing the potential of offshore wind energy requires careful consideration of economic, environmental, and local interests [22]. Offshore wind farms offer promising opportunities for meeting renewable energy targets and reducing carbon emissions, making them a key focus for sustainable energy development [23]. The impact of onshore wind farms on ecological corridors and environmental resources must also be carefully assessed to ensure sustainable development. Incorporating a range of technical, economic, and policy factors into GIS tools can help define optimal locations for wind farm sites, as demonstrated in studies focusing on regions like Iowa, the United States, and Northeast Nebraska. Geospatial analysis and remote sensing techniques are valuable tools for prioritizing wind farm development and identifying suitable sites based on a combination of factors. Multi-criteria analysis and GIS methods are commonly used to evaluate the suitability of areas for wind turbine siting, considering factors such as wind potential, legislation frameworks, and environmental impacts [21].

In conclusion, the key factors for locating wind farms encompass a diverse range of considerations, including technical criteria, economic viability, environmental impacts, public opinion, and grid availability (

Table 1. Wind farm location factors according to various authors.

Author	Description of Location Factors According to Author	Wind Conditions	Economic Conditions	Ecological Constraints	Grid Availability	Construction Conditions	Public Opinion
Gharaibeh et al., 2021 [10]	Considered factors include wind conditions, economic conditions, ecological constraints, grid availability, construction conditions, and public opinion	√	√	√	√	√	√
Zubir et al., 2022 [11]	The main factors are energy efficiency, grid availability, and construction conditions	√			√	√
Hajto et al., 2016 [15]	Important for the sustainable development of wind energy and benefits to local communities		√				√
Rehman et al., 2020 [16]	Economic factors, impact on local communities		√
Ali et al., 2017 [17]	The type of turbines is crucial for efficient energy utilization	√				√
Saleous et al., 2016 [18]	GIS models help in selecting locations considering ecological, environmental, and socio-economic criteria		√	√			√
Bertsiou et al., 2020 [19]	AHP and fuzzy logic for evaluating and prioritizing wind farm locations	√	√	√	√	√	√
Gao et al., 2022 [20]	Multi-criteria analysis of location suitability	√	√	√	√	√	√
Bagočius et al., 2014 [21]	GIS and multi-criteria analysis evaluate the suitability of areas for wind turbine siting, considering wind potential, legal frameworks, and environmental impacts	√	√	√
Guan, 2023 [22]	Offshore wind resources are critical for maximizing wind energy potential, considering economic, environmental, and local interests	√	√	√
Miller and Li, 2014 [23]	Offshore wind resources are key for achieving renewable energy goals and reducing carbon emissions	√

). Utilizing advanced methodologies such as GIS-based multi-criteria decision-making models, spatial analysis, and remote sensing techniques can aid in the identification of optimal sites for wind farm development, ensuring sustainable energy production and minimizing adverse effects on the environment and local communities. The dictionary defines ‘condition’ as something essential to the appearance or occurrence of something else. This implies that factors such as wind, economic, or construction conditions prerequisites signify the need for the availability of useful wind energy, the local or national economic background for financial support and investment maintenance, and the technical feasibility of constructing a wind farm in a specific area. Additionally, ecological constraints, grid availability, and public opinion also necessitate the existence of appropriate conditions. Ecological constraints require that wind farms minimize environmental impact. Grid availability ensures that ideal wind farm locations are near existing infrastructure to minimize the costs associated with building new grids. Finally, public opinion underscores the necessity for community acceptance of wind farms in their vicinity.

The location of wind farms is influenced by various factors that ensure optimal energy production and sustainability. Key considerations include wind conditions, which are crucial for maximizing energy output, and economic conditions, which determine the financial viability and benefits to local communities. Ecological constraints are important to mitigate environmental impacts, while grid availability is necessary for effective energy transmission. Construction conditions affect the feasibility and cost of building wind farms. Additionally, public opinion can influence the acceptance and support of wind projects. These factors are often assessed using advanced methodologies such as GIS-based multi-criteria decision-making models, spatial analysis, and remote sensing techniques to identify optimal sites for wind farm development.

1.2. How Does the Distance of Wind Farms from Large Cities Impact Energy Transmission Efficiency?

The distance of wind farms from large cities significantly impacts energy transmission efficiency due to various factors such as wake effects, cable routing, and power losses [24,25]. Wind turbines are often closely spaced within wind farms due to land and transmission line constraints, leading to efficiency degradation of up to 40% for wind directions aligned with columns of turbines [24]. As wind farms are increasingly located remotely, installation and infrastructure costs are rising, affecting overall efficiency [25]. The proximity of wind farms to existing transmission lines and the power system is crucial when selecting a wind farm site to ensure efficient energy transmission [26].

Large wind farms, especially offshore ones, face challenges in transmitting power over long distances to the main grid systems, as traditional transmission systems may not be cost-effective due to significant electrical losses and the need for inductive compensation for submarine cables [27]. The efficiency of large offshore wind farms is mainly influenced by factors like turbulent vertical momentum flux, which can impact the overall energy transmission efficiency [28]. Additionally, the connection of large offshore wind farms located at a distance from the in-land network requires a thorough investigation of power transmission technologies to ensure effective integration [29].

Efficiency issues can arise in offshore regions with moderate wind speeds and wide turbine spacing, where large wind farms and clusters can further decrease efficiency by 10 to 30% [30]. The wake effects of wind farms can extend several tens of kilometers downstream, emphasizing the need to consider neighboring wind farms in regional planning to optimize wind energy production [31]. Moreover, the electrical efficiency of wind farms is influenced by factors such as cable efficiency and transformer efficiency, highlighting the importance of optimizing these components for effective energy transmission [32].

In the context of large-scale wind farms, the reliability of transmission systems becomes crucial, necessitating the development of potential transmission reinforcement schemes to support the integration of wind energy conversion systems into bulk systems [33]. Coordinated control strategies, such as the Voltage Source Converter-HVDC system, can address grid connection and long-distance transmission challenges associated with large-scale wind power generation [34]. Furthermore, optimizing wind turbine interconnections in offshore wind farms using metaheuristic algorithms can enhance energy recovery and reduce investment costs in electrical infrastructure, ultimately improving energy transmission efficiency [35].

Overall, the distance of wind farms from large cities plays a significant role in energy transmission efficiency, with factors like wake effects, cable routing, and transmission technologies influencing the overall performance of wind energy systems. Optimizing the design, location, and interconnection of wind turbines and transmission infrastructure is essential to maximize energy production and minimize losses during transmission.

2. Materials and Methods

The implementation of the spatial research problem posed in this study, specifically determining the spatial relationships between the locations of wind farms in Poland and large cities, was based on the use of advanced GIS (Geographic Information System) tools.

The first stage of the conducted research was the identification of all wind farms within Polish municipalities and the calculation of their energy potential, i.e., their capacity to generate electricity, which was followed by identifying areas of Poland with relatively powerful winds.

The next step was to define the cities classified as large, using the criterion of population size, where a large city is defined as having at least 100,000 inhabitants. The further stage of the research involved the application of advanced GIS methods to precisely map the locations of wind farms, considering their installed capacity and the geographical positions of large cities. This ultimately enabled the determination of the distances between the wind farms and large cities.

In the subsequent stages of the analysis, the average amount of electricity generated by wind farms per 1000 inhabitants was determined. This calculation was conducted not only for the specified cities but also for the surrounding areas and other municipalities across the country. This analysis was crucial for understanding how wind-generated electricity is distributed among urban, suburban, and rural populations. The results were also mapped using GIS tools, which allowed for the identification of regions with the highest potential for wind energy generation and facilitated the assessment of the efficiency of renewable energy resource distribution in Poland.

The next stage of the analysis involved understanding the relationship between the power capacity of wind farms and their distance from the nearest city with at least 100,000 inhabitants. To achieve this, a distance matrix was constructed between the analyzed cities and the nearest wind farms, facilitating regression-based analyses. The wind farms’ power capacities were examined relative to their distances from the nearest large cities, identifying spatial patterns and dependencies. This analysis was crucial for understanding how the distance from urban centers influences the power capacity and location of wind farms throughout Poland.

The final stage of the research involved designing and adapting an indicator for wind-generated electricity availability. This calculation was made possible by the previously obtained distance matrix, GIS analyses that identified municipalities in the vicinity of large cities, and the determination of the locations and power capacities of wind farms. Ultimately, the wind-generated electricity availability indicator for cities with over 100,000 inhabitants in Poland was calculated using the following formula:

$$I={\sum }_{i=1}^n\frac{P_i}{d_i}$$

(1)

where:

• I is the indicator;
• n is the number of municipalities;
• P_i is the power capacity of wind farms in the i-th municipality (for i = 1, 2, …, n);
• d_i is the distance from the i-th municipality to the nearest large city with a population of at least 100,000 inhabitants.

The operation performed on the collected dataset allows obtaining a result for the proposed above indicator, shaping itself above 0, where the higher the achieved value, the better the availability of wind-generated electricity in the given city. This enables the verification of the potential for renewable energy transition of cities in terms of ensuring sustainable economic development and smart management of natural resources.

3. Results

Conducting all stages of analysis resulting from the adopted methodology of this study has yielded a series of results shedding light on the research problem of “What are the spatial relationships between the locations of wind farms in Poland in relation to large cities?”. The findings indicate complex dependencies between the distance of large cities with populations exceeding 100,000 inhabitants and the power capacity and location of wind farms. Suggesting the multidimensional nature of the problem, arising not only from the population size or distance alone but also from the geographic and spatial conditions of the municipalities in close proximity to large cities.

In Poland, wind speeds are generally low to moderate and vary across different areas and times, influencing the overall evaluation of wind resources. However, certain regions, particularly in the north and along the coast, experience sufficiently high and stable wind speeds both daily and annually. These conditions make the effective use of wind turbines possible (Figure 1).

The map (Figure 2) is the outcome of the next stage of analysis based on the research methodology. It shows the potential for electricity generation per 1000 inhabitants of each municipality in a spatial context. Additionally, the map highlights large cities and their respective population sizes.

As shown on the map (Figure 2), the generation of electricity from wind farms per 1000 inhabitants is very low in municipalities neighboring Poland’s largest cities. This is particularly evident in areas adjacent to Warsaw and in municipalities near the large cities of the Silesian agglomeration. Conversely, the highest values of wind-generated electricity per 1000 inhabitants are found in municipalities near the Baltic Sea, where there are only a few cities with populations exceeding 100,000 inhabitants.

The map (Figure 2) may also indicate that the presence of large urban agglomerations and high population density tends to deter the location of wind farms, which are more commonly found in less densely populated areas. However, the crucial factor lies in the distance between these wind farms and major population centers, as it directly affects the demand for electricity and poses significant economic and transmission challenges. Therefore, the subsequent stage of the research focused on examining the relationship between the power capacity of wind farms and their proximity to large cities, as depicted in the following figure (Figure 3).

As illustrated in the chart above (Figure 3), wind farms with the highest electricity generation capacities are situated between 30 and 80 km from major cities, indicating this range is potentially optimal for such investments. In contrast, distances greater than 80 km typically show lower generation capacities, not exceeding 200 MW. Similarly, wind farms located within 0 to 20 km from major cities also exhibit lower capacities, likely due to legal regulations that prevent the installation of wind turbines closer than 300 m to residential buildings [37]. Additionally, areas close to major cities often feature high building density.

Table 2. The value of wind energy availability index for large cities of Poland.

City	Index Value	Population
Tarnow	26.47	103,960
Rzeszow	27.02	197,181
Bielsko-Biala	27.29	166,765
Krakow	27.98	803,282
Lublin	29.59	331,243
Bialystok	30.11	292,600
Tychy	30.88	123,105
Rybnik	31.72	131,744
Katowice	32.11	280,190
Sosnowiec	32.18	189,178
Dąbrowa Gornicza	33.25	114,765
Chorzow	33.43	101,914
Ruda Slaska	33.61	131,532
Kielce	34.34	183,885
Zabrze	35.00	155,430
Gliwice	35.33	171,023
Bytom	35.49	149,576
Radom	37.27	197,848
Walbrzych	38.12	101,857
Opole	39.58	126,458
Warsaw	40.68	1,861,975
Czestochowa	41.80	208,282
Zielona Gora	45.55	139,278
Wroclaw	45.88	674,079
Olsztyn	49.26	168,212
Lodz	53.28	658,444
Szczecin	53.38	391,566
Gorzow Wielkopolski	53.54	116,436
Gdynia	54.26	242,874
Gdansk	56.72	486,345
Plock	57.39	112,483
Poznan	60.74	541,316
Elblag	63.48	113,567
Bydgoszcz	64.77	330,038
Wloclawek	67.64	102,102
Torun	68.14	195,690
Koszalin	84.68	104,239

illustrates the final stage of the research procedure based on the adopted methodology. By using the proposed wind energy availability index for large cities, which incorporates data on the generation capacity of wind farms and their distances from major cities, it enables the identification and classification of Polish cities with the best access to wind energy as a renewable source. The wind energy availability index was calculated for all cities with populations exceeding 100,000.

As shown in Figure 2, the index is highest for cities located in northern regions; apart from Poznan, Elblag, and Gorzow Wielkopolski, the cities with the highest index values are in the West Pomeranian, Pomeranian, and Kuyavian–Pomeranian Voivodeships. This suggests a strong correlation between wind energy availability and geographical conditions. Conversely, cities with the lowest index values are predominantly in the south and east, where wind energy development is less advanced due to both geographical and socio-historical factors.

Table 2 also includes a column for the population of each city, which does not necessarily correlate with the index values. For instance, Koszalin, despite being among the least populous cities, has the highest wind energy availability index (I = 84.68). This is because Koszalin is located 30–40 km from some of the country’s largest wind farms. Other notable cities with high index values include Torun, Bydgoszcz, and Wloclawek (I~67) in the Kuyavian–Pomeranian Voivodeship, which also have relatively large wind farms nearby.

Interestingly, Warsaw, the capital city, has a relatively low index value (40.68) despite its large population and high electricity demand. This low index value is likely due to the fact that there is only one municipality with high-capacity wind farms located at a considerable distance from the city. This situation can be attributed to local conditions and the very dense residential development in the municipalities surrounding the capital, which hinders the implementation of wind energy projects.

The placement of high-power wind farms in the north near the Baltic Sea ensures high efficiency due to optimal wind conditions, while the development of low-power wind farms in the agricultural south faces limitations due to land competition. Additionally, the northern wind farms lead to increased transmission costs and energy losses when supplying southern consumption centers. This regional disparity in wind farm locations results in uneven energy infrastructure development and economic growth, favoring the north. The most effective wind farms are situated 30 to 80 km from large cities, with the highest wind energy availability in the northern regions, unlike Warsaw, which has lower availability despite high demand.

4. Discussion

The conducted research, utilizing GIS analysis, enabled the identification of spatial relationships between the locations of wind farms and large cities in Poland. The results indicate the complex nature of these relationships, arising not only from the distance and population size but also from the geographical and spatial conditions of municipalities located near large cities. The highest generation capacities of wind farms are found at distances between 30 and 80 km from large cities. The Wind Energy Availability Index showed that cities with the highest values of this index are located in the northern regions of the country, such as the West Pomeranian, Pomeranian, and Kuyavian–Pomeranian voivodeships. Warsaw, despite its large population and high energy demand, has a relatively low wind energy availability index.

The research conducted utilizing GIS analysis has shed light on the spatial relationships between wind farms and large cities in Poland. The study has revealed intricate connections influenced not only by factors like distance and population size but also by the geographical and spatial characteristics of communes neighboring major urban centers [15]. Wind farms in Poland exhibit a distinct distribution pattern, with high-capacity installations predominantly situated in the north-western regions due to favorable wind conditions from the Baltic Sea, while low-capacity wind farms are concentrated in the southern part of the Greater Poland Voivodeship, where vast agricultural areas prevail [38]. This spatial distribution has significant implications, as wind farms located in the north benefit from optimal wind conditions, potentially leading to higher energy efficiency, whereas those in agricultural regions face challenges due to competition for space with farming activities, which may limit their development [38].

Moreover, the disproportionate placement of wind farms in the north and large cities in the south poses challenges in terms of energy transmission efficiency and economic viability. Communes neighboring major cities exhibit low energy generation from wind farms per capita, highlighting the disparity in energy distribution across the country [15]. This imbalance can impact the cost of energy transmission, potentially leading to increased transmission costs and energy wastage when transmitting energy from the north to the energy consumption centers in the south [15]. Such regional differences in wind farm distribution may result in uneven development of energy infrastructure and economic growth, with regions hosting a high concentration of wind farms reaping greater economic benefits compared to others [15].

Furthermore, the optimal distances for wind farm investments have been identified, with the highest generation capacities observed at distances ranging from 30 to 80 km from large cities in Poland [39]. Cities in the northern regions, such as the West Pomeranian, Pomeranian, and Kuyavian–Pomeranian Voivodeships, exhibit high wind energy availability indices, indicating the potential for efficient wind energy generation in these areas [39]. However, despite the high energy demand in cities like Warsaw, the wind energy availability rate remains relatively low, underscoring the complex interplay between energy demand and wind resource availability in different regions [39].

In addition to the geographical aspects, the economic implications of wind farm placement are crucial. An analysis of the financial challenges faced by wind farms in Poland has highlighted the profitability index, subsidies, and break-even prices as key factors influencing the financial viability of wind energy projects in the country [40]. Understanding the financial dynamics of wind farms is essential for assessing their long-term sustainability and contribution to the energy sector. Moreover, the impact of wind farms on local economies has been a subject of study, with research indicating a positive relationship between local ownership of wind farms and community acceptance of renewable energy projects [41]. Local revenues generated through taxes from wind farms can also contribute to greater support for such projects, emphasizing the interconnectedness of wind energy development and local economic benefits [41].

It is noteworthy that the conducted research has introduced a scientific innovation by proposing a tool to assess the availability of wind-generated electricity. This tool produces findings consistent with previous studies [15,35,42], indicating that optimal locations for wind farms should ideally be situated 30–80 km from population centers. Moreover, cities located in geographically advantageous regions show significantly higher scores on this indicator, aligning with results from a similar indicator developed for Northern California [42]. In conclusion, the spatial distribution of wind farms in Poland, influenced by geographical, economic, and environmental factors, plays a significant role in shaping the country’s energy landscape. Understanding the complex relationships between wind farm locations, urban centers, and economic dynamics is essential for sustainable energy planning and development in Poland. By considering the optimal distances for wind farm investments, addressing regional disparities, and evaluating the economic viability of wind energy projects, policymakers can make informed decisions to promote efficient and equitable wind energy development across the country.

5. Conclusions

The literature review results indicate that the key factors influencing the location of wind farms encompass various aspects, including technical criteria, economic feasibility, environmental impact, public opinion, and the availability of transmission networks. Utilizing advanced methodologies, such as GIS-based multi-criteria models, spatial analysis, and remote sensing techniques, can help identify optimal locations for wind farm development. These sophisticated tools ensure sustainable energy production and minimize negative impacts on the environment and local communities. Crucial factors include wind conditions that maximize energy production and economic conditions that determine financial viability and benefits for local communities. Additionally, ecological constraints are vital for minimizing environmental impact, and the availability of transmission networks is essential for efficient energy transmission. Construction conditions, which influence the feasibility and costs of building wind farms, along with public opinion, which can affect the acceptance and support of planned projects, are also important considerations.

The contextual research results indicate that the distance of wind farms from major cities significantly impacts energy transmission efficiency. Factors such as aerodynamic wake effects, cable routes, and transmission technologies influence the overall performance of wind energy systems. Optimizing the design, location, and connections of turbines, as well as transmission infrastructure, is crucial to maximize energy production and minimize transmission losses. The studies conducted, using GIS analysis, identified spatial relationships between wind farm locations and major cities in Poland. The findings reveal the complex nature of these relationships, influenced not only by distance and city population size but also by the geographical and spatial conditions of rural areas near large cities. Wind farms with the highest generating capacities are located 30–80 km from major cities. The wind energy availability index showed that cities with the highest values are in the northern regions of the country, such as the West Pomeranian, Pomeranian, and Kuyavian–Pomeranian voivodeships. Despite its large population and high energy demand, Warsaw has a relatively low wind energy availability index, whereas Koszalin, a city in the north of the country with a population of 100,000, is well-positioned to implement sustainable development strategies based on wind energy.

We believe that the use of renewable energy resources from wind farms will impact the sustainable development of only certain cities in the north of the country. This effect will likely be stronger with optimized locations and geographical distances. Wind farms situated 30–80 km from major cities achieve the best performance in terms of generating capacity, but increasing the distance results in higher transmission costs and energy losses. In Poland, wind farms are primarily located in the northwestern regions, where optimal wind conditions prevail. However, the largest cities, which are the main centers of energy consumption, are mostly situated in the southern part of the country, posing challenges for energy transmission. Sustainable development of wind farms and other renewable energy projects in cities requires strategic cooperation between urban and rural municipalities through integrated territorial investments. Key actions include joint spatial planning, coordination of land acquisition, information campaigns, consultations with residents, and the exchange of know-how and best practices.

Future research on the use of energy from wind farms in large cities should adopt a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating technological innovations, policy frameworks, energy system optimization, and the integration of other renewable energy sources. It is essential to develop research on innovation ecosystems that facilitate the implementation of new technological solutions for energy acquisition and synergy with other renewables while optimizing local and regional development policies. Equally important is the advancement of research on advanced systems for equipment monitoring and maintenance, modeling techniques, and implementation.

Furthermore, research efforts could focus on optimizing the integration of wind energy into the energy supply sector of smart cities. Studying the current status and policy frameworks related to transforming the energy sector towards smart city initiatives can provide valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of incorporating wind and solar energy into smart urban energy systems. By analyzing the political landscape and identifying best practices for promoting the adoption of renewable energy, researchers can contribute to shaping sustainable energy transformations in smart cities. With a holistic approach, researchers can advance the sustainable integration of wind energy within large urban ecosystems.