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The global wind energy industry is growing at an exponential rate. Large-scale wind farms, with wind turbines that have capcities of 1, 2 and even 3 MW* are becoming commonplace in some areas.
The wind turbine manufacturing industry has focussed it's efforts on large three-bladed horizontal axis machines mounted on cylindrical towers that are over 40 m tall. In most areas, such as southwestern Alberta and the Gaspé region of Québec, wind farms are on land, but in some parts of Europe, notably Denmark, many wind farms have been built in shallow ocean water near to shore. There they can take advantage of the stronger and more consistent ocean winds.
* It's important to note that wind turbines are rated on the the basis of their generating capacity under optimal wind conditions. Winds never blow steadily and continuously at any site. At low wind speeds the turbines may not turn at all, at moderate speeds they'll turn but may not generate at the full rated capacity; at extremely high wind speeds they will automatically shut down to avoid damage. The average capacity factor for wind turbines in Canada is just over 30%. In other words, most turbines generate about 30% as much electricity as they could if the wind was blowing at optimum velocity 100% of the time.

