With attention now focused on the damaging impact of greenhouse gases, wind energy is rapidly emerging as a low carbon, resource efficient, cost-effective sustainable technology in many parts of the world. Meta-analysis of net energy return for wind power systems also places wind in a favorable position relative to other forms of power generation. This paper summarizes the trends in wind energy development over the years across the globe. Despite higher economic costs, offshore appears to be the next big step in wind energy development alternative because of the space scarcity for installation of onshore wind turbine. Among various factors, the wind farm layout design is an extremely important component for ensuring the profitability of a wind farm project. Latest technological developments taking place in the area of reliability of wind turbines and improvements in the properties of the materials used will make wind energy more competitive in the next decade. Although wind energy faces many technical, social and environmental challenges, it will become a viable choice amongst the renewable sources of energy both for developed and developing nations and will play a key role in preserving green environment. This paper presents the global scenario for wind energy, the importance of offshore wind energy, the wind farm layout design, the off-shore wind turbine technological developments, the role of sensors and the smart grid, and the challenges and future trends of wind energy.
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