World leaders and environmentalists are singing the praises of the future of wind generated power. Countries around the globe are investing in new technologies and considering wind farms both on and off shore. The United States, Great Britain, and Australia are just three such countries committed to realizing the benefits of wind generated power.

Offshore wind farms are literally farms of large wind turbines lined in rows much like an agricultural fruit or nut farm. The turbines are placed in relatively shallow water close to shore to minimize costs and allow a connection with land power lines to deliver the energy. Onshore wind generating power farms already populate rural plains in the United States. California has had wind farms for over 30 years. The power generated by wind is an addition to other sources of power. Because wind on land is intermittent it is not ideal for complete power production.

The United Kingdom has taken steps to map a future powered by off shore wind farms. The shelved sea floor off the coast of Great Britain is ideal for the placement of turbines. Massive off shore wind farms have not been built in the U.S. yet. However, the topography of the ocean floor surrounding the United States might be a limiting factor. Gigantic underwater canyons and steep drops will be keeping wind farms off of the U.S. pacific coast.

Offshore wind farms are attractive mainly because of the weather conditions produced by the ocean. Strong winds are regularly experienced, larger turbines can be installed and so more energy can be produced. On shore wind farms are also attractive for midland states like Montana and Kentucky where winds howl off the plains.

Wind generated power is just one aspect of energy acquisition. Although turbines pay themselves off in energy production faster than any other energy infrastructure, they are best combined with other alternative energy sources. Wind is intermittent and can not be counted on all the time.

Interest in wind power is global. Denmark, Australia, India and even Morocco already have wind farms generating portions of their countries power. Many experts in alternative fuels believe that wind power will be an excellent option for fostering independence in developing nations.

Funding for wind generating power projects come from a number of sources including, government, research groups, foundations and power companies. The outlook for wind farms is good in the United States. In a time of economic crisis it is estimated that government sponsored initiatives in alternative energy will produce jobs at a rate of 4.8 jobs for every mega watt of power installed.

Is wind power the solution for everyone to be power self sufficient? Many parts of the world have sufficient reliable wind to make sufficient electricity to serve everyones requirements.