According to the U.S. Department of Energy, wind energy "refers to the process by which wind turbines convert the movement of wind into electricity." Wind is actually a type of solar energy resulting from uneven heating of the atmosphere, the surface's irregularities, and the Earth's rotation. It is important to realize that wind flow patterns and speeds vary widely across the country and are influenced "by bodies of water, vegetation, and differences in terrain" (US Department of Energy).

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Here is a short video from Friends of the Earth Australia that gives some general information about some of the facts and some common myths surrounding wind energy.  

What Is Wind Energy?

History and Development

In this section, you can read a brief history of the use of wind power from its origins in ancient Egypt to some of its more recent usage. You can also learn about major developments in wind energy including how wind turbines work and the types and sizes of wind turbines. Finally, you can learn about advantages and challenges of wind energy and how research efforts are addressing those challenges. Click here to learn more.

Economics

Closely related to the economics and development, the uses of wind energy section will answer some questions about the usability of wind power. Integration to the current power grids, reliability, emissions, and energy storage are all included in this section. Click here to learn more.