Working with the U.S. wind turbine industry, the U.S. Department of Energy hopes to improve technology and lower costs. Wind energy is already one of the most cost-competitive renewable energy technologies at about 3 to 5 cents per kilowatt-hour. Even so, wind-generated electricity still costs more than electricity from natural gas or coal plants. However, the wind turbine of the future is expected to close the gap, providing low-cost electricity for homes, businesses, schools, manufacturing plants, and the like. Low-cost turbines will open up a huge market for wind energy in the United States.

Cost, however, is not the only benefit wind turbines offer. Wind energy is an environmental technology that doesn't emit acid rain precursors, greenhouse gases, or other air pollutants. The growing concern about the environment is expected to drive markets for wind energy around the world.

Indeed, wind energy is the fastest-growing energy technology in the world. Pressure to develop new technology is being fueled by exploding world wind energy markets that already top $1.5 billion a year. The American Wind Energy Association predicts this figure will grow as much as tenfold during the next decade.