In the village of Szybowice near Prudnik, a new wind farm comprising 17 turbines is nearing completion. The construction of this facility, which cost approximately 400 million PLN (around 100 million USD), is expected to provide enough electricity for over 40,000 households, equivalent to the needs of the entire city of Opole.
Each of the 17 turbines stands 180 meters tall and has a capacity of 2.2 megawatts. Arkadiusz Bakierzyński, president of Energa Green Development and a board member of the Szybowice Wind Farm, confirmed that the installation phase has been completed, and the project is now entering the commissioning stage. By September, the turbines will begin connecting to the national energy grid, supplying power directly to homes.
The wind farm is projected to generate around 88 gigawatt-hours of electricity annually. This energy output will be facilitated by a newly constructed underground network that connects the wind turbines to a transformer station, which then transmits the electricity to the Bodzanów station and into the national grid.
The local government of Prudnik approved a spatial development plan in 2012, designating 33 locations for wind turbines. While the current project has occupied several of these sites, plans for a second phase are underway, which involves the construction of an additional 12 turbines. Two of these turbines are currently in the process of obtaining environmental approvals, which could increase the total to 19.
Additionally, the same developer plans to construct a solar farm nearby, with a capacity of 18 megawatts across 25 hectares. This expansion reflects a growing commitment to renewable energy in the region.
Wiesław Kopterski, the deputy mayor of Prudnik, expressed enthusiasm for the investment, highlighting its importance for local development and environmental stewardship. The wind farm will contribute 1.6 million PLN annually in taxes to the municipality, which could support local projects and initiatives.
Mariusz Wicherek, the village leader of Szybowice, noted that while some residents have voiced concerns, there has been no organized protest against the wind farm. He emphasized the benefits the project has already brought, including road repairs and funding for community expenses.
The wind farm features turbines designed to minimize noise and operate safely. Each turbine weighs approximately 300 tons, and the rotor begins to turn at wind speeds of 3 meters per second, automatically halting at 20 meters per second to ensure safety. In icy conditions, the turbines will also stop to prevent damage.
This project not only represents a step forward in renewable energy production but also signifies a commitment to sustainable development in the Prudnik region.
