Challenges and Opportunities in the Integration of Wind Turbines in Urban Areas: A Technical and Economic Analysis

Small-scale wind turbines face major challenges in urban areas due to low wind speeds (0.5-1.5m/s) and turbulence from nearby structures. This study evaluates the technical and economic feasibility of vertical-axis wind turbines (VAWTs) by analyzing real wind speed data and applying a power calculation model based on rotor diameter and blade height. Among the evaluated models, the most efficient turbine generated 3.82 MWh/year and had the lowest Levelized Cost of Energy, but still did not reach enough operating hours for standalone viability. While direct wind implementation is limited, combining VAWTs with solar energy, battery storage, and demand-side flexibility could improve overall system performance. The turbines' characteristics also suggest suitability for use in Renewable Energy Communities (RECs), where shared ownership and energy use can enhance feasibility. Future research should explore hybrid and community-based models to support the sustainable integration of wind energy in urban environments.