Wind Energy
For centuries humans have been harvesting energy from the wind. As early as 900 hundred year ago wind was harnessed by the Europeans for the purpose for grinding grains and manufacturing products. Wind powered ships helped discovering new territories and opened new avenues for international trade. Over the years farms land relied on wind powered for irrigation, livestock and domestic use. In 13th century the horizontal axis wind mills ware an integral part of the rural economy but became ineffective with the advent of cheap fossil fueled engines and rural electrification. In late 19th century a 12KW wind mill (turbine) was constructed in the US. Most of the 20th century the purpose of wind turbines were confined to recharge batteries in the remote dwellings with an exception of 1250 KW wind turbine constructed in the US in 1941 though it was not a success but it remained the largest wind turbine over the next 40 years of its construction. During this period the development of wind turbine remained inefficient. In early 70s the wind turbines began its epic journey from Kilowatts to Megawatts. The stimulus was then rise in the oil price and the limitation of the fossil fuel resource and now with the global awareness of environmental benefits by generating electricity using wind energy with very low C0₂ emissions. Wind energy has identified itself as a key player in renewable energy market. From 2.5 GW installed capacity in 1995 to 40 GW in 2010.
Installed wind capacity throughout the world as of 2001
