The Margonin Wind Farm
The Margonin Wind Farm, located in the Margonin municipality in Chodzież County, Wielkopolskie Voivodeship, is the second largest onshore wind power plant in Poland. It was developed by Relax Wind Park I Sp. z o.o., a special purpose vehicle indirectly owned by EDP Renováveis, S.A., with co-development by Buttero Holding Limited, representing Polish private investors. Commissioned in 2010, the project consists of 60 wind turbines with a total installed capacity of 120 MW. The wind farm is fully operational and contributes significantly to Poland’s renewable electricity production, supplying power to an estimated 90,000 households annually. During the planning and development phase, the project included multiple community engagement mechanisms, such as public consultations, information points, and publications in local media outlets. Interactions included those with local governments, residents and institutions such as the State Sanitary Inspectorate (SANEPID). The Margonin Wind Farm is an example of a large-scale renewable energy (RE) project that implemented basic but effective community engagement and benefit-sharing practices. The project included public consultations, information points in local municipalities, and the publication of materials through local media. Although no formal community engagement strategy or mediation mechanism was documented, the investor’s cooperation with local authorities and institutions helped to ensure a certain level of transparency.
In terms of benefit sharing, the wind farm contributes approx. PLN 6 million (approx. EUR 1.4 million) annually to the municipal budget through property taxes, which are used for infrastructure and public services. Moreover, in-kind contributions have been made, such as road improvements and the construction of a local stadium.
