Wind farm boosts local economy

The historic city of Wolin, whose past stretches back to the days of the Vikings, is already a popular spot for visitors. Close to a protected wildlife area, Wolin is a centre for hiking as well as cycle routes.

 

Now it can add another attraction: 17 wind turbines that are more than catching the eye of passers by. Although at first the reaction to the wind farm at Lake Ostrowo was uncertain, 1,500 local residents – a third of the city’s population - showed up to celebrate the official opening.

 

Since it started producing electricity in 2007, the wind farm has become a magnet for tourists. The Wolin municipality has erected a signboard explaining the history and benefits of the project to visitors.

 

The wind farm is also regularly visited by environmental organisations, developers and energy companies who want to know more about how wind power can be integrated successfully into both the environment and the energy supply network.

 

The city of Wolin is benefiting from this new kind of tourism but also from the taxes it receives from the wind farm owner, DONG Energy.