A general overview of wind energy conversion is given and the case for greater world use of wind turbines for the generation of electricity is presented. It is argued that the environmental impact of wind energy conversion on a large scale is likely to be small in most respects, although not visually, and is likely to be acceptable to most communities. A review of the present status of wind turbine manufacturing and pricing is given. Installation prices and operating costs now appear to be close to those of other forms of electricity generation, provided large accessible high wind sites are used. It is suggested that there is a need for continued financial support for wind energy research and development.
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