Our Wind, Our Community
All over Europe, wind farms are doing more than just generating clean electricity. They are building confidence at a local level.
Communities are seeing real benefits from wind: community funds, shared ownership, new infrastructure and renewed public spaces. And Global Wind Day is a chance for people of all ages to learn more about wind energy – and what it can mean for the places they live. Not as an abstract climate solution, but as a source of local opportunity, local pride and shared progress.
This year’s Global Wind Day is all about building confidence.
Confidence that clean, home-grown energy works.
Confidence that communities can shape projects in ways that matter to them.
Confidence that the energy transition can strengthen local life.
Join the Our Wind, Our Community campaign for Global Wind Day 2026 and show us how your community benefits from wind energy. We are gathering stories from around Europe – to inspire, spark curiosity, and show what’s possible when wind energy and communities grow together.
Do you want to find out more? Take a look at our interactive map of European wind farms and the benefits they bring to local communities.
In the booklet below we’ve collected a sample of some of the ways communities across the continent take pride in their local wind farms – as a source of employment, ownership, a local power source, or just as a valued and cherished part of the place they call home. A big thank you to all the people across Europe for sharing your stories!
Interactive project map
Click on a pin to view the case study details below
Andau Wind Farm
Austria
237 MW · 79 Turbines · Commissioned 2013
Ownership & co-ownership model
Community investment and light‑pollution reduction at Austria’s largest wind farm
PROJECT
Overview
Austria’s largest onshore wind farm in a UNESCO biosphere reserve, combining renewable scale with long‑term community acceptance.
The challenge
Persistent community concerns about permanent red aviation lights affecting dark skies.
The approach
Aircraft‑detection lighting developed with authorities alongside citizen co‑ownership.
IMPACT HIGHLIGHTS
Energy
155,000 households powered annually
Climate &
Nature
90% reduction in night‑time lighting
Jobs & Economy
130
permanent local jobs
Community benefit
€3.4m raised via citizen investment
Signature impact
Lighting pilot changed national regulation
Andilly-Les-Marais Community Wind Farm
France
16.8 MW · 3 Turbines · Commissioned 2024
Community relations & ownership
A wind farm initiated, owned and governed by citizens
PROJECT
Local situation
Initiated by local authorities, associations and citizens, the project transforms wind development into a locally owned model. Through a citizen-led cooperative, residents invested and gained majority voting rights, shaping key decisions. This approach anchors the wind farm in its territory, strengthens local acceptance and ensures long-term community involvement.
The approach
The project developed a structured participation model centred on a citizen cooperative. Through crowdfunding, consultations and workshops, residents influenced project decisions. A community fund redistributes part of the revenues, while a monitoring committee ensures transparency. This approach combines financial participation, shared governance and long-term local benefit for surrounding communities.
IMPACT HIGHLIGHTS
Energy
10,600 households powered annually
Climate &
Nature
Low-carbon electricity
Jobs & Economy
6-10
permanent local jobs
Community benefit
€62k annual community funding
Signature impact
Fast & Fair Award winner
Do you want your wind farm to be featured on the Our Wind, Our Community map? Check out how you can participate in this year’s Global Wind Day campaign.