Smart cities powered by wind: analyzing the potential and strategic development directions for Polish cities

This article examines the potential for integrating wind energy into the development of smart cities in Poland. The analysis combines a synthetic measure of smart city potential, a wind energy availability index, and GIS-based spatial analysis, drawing on data from the Central Statistical Office (GUS) and the Energy Regulatory Office (URE). The study offers a novel contribution by linking renewable energy planning with the spatial dynamics of urban transformation. A central focus is placed on inter-municipal cooperation, particularly between rural municipalities hosting wind farms and urban centres, supported by Integrated Territorial Investment (ZIT) mechanisms. Such collaboration could facilitate the incorporation of wind energy into urban energy strategies. The study identifies key challenges, including insufficient wind potential near cities, high energy transmission costs, and limited spatial availability. While wind power is predominantly generated in northern regions—particularly along the Baltic coast—southern urban areas also receive this energy, albeit at a higher cost. The potential for smart city development is regionally differentiated: northern and western cities may benefit from smart energy infrastructure, whereas southern regions might prioritise solar or nuclear energy and focus on governance or quality of life enhancements. Ultimately, the research underscores the role of wind energy in advancing sustainable urban development and advocates for region-specific, cooperative approaches to support the smart transformation of Polish cities.