What are some innovations in wind energy?

One of the most promising alternative-energy technologies has, in recent years, garnered more skepticism than praise. read more

Bladeless wind turbines are a recent innovation and could hold the potential to transform the global wind energy market. Instead of relying on the mechanical energy of the wind itself, bladeless wind turbines rely on the vortices created by the obstruction of the wind. read more

Knight and Carver's Wind Blade Division in National City, California, worked with researchers at the Department of Energy's Sandia National Laboratories to develop an innovative wind turbine blade that has led to an increase in energy capture by 12% The most distinctive characteristic of the Sweep Twist Adaptive Rotor (STAR) blade is a gently curved tip, which, unlike the vast majority of blades in use, is specially designed to take maximum advantage of all wind speeds, including slower speeds. read more

The future of wind power may look entirely different from the familiar -- and controversial -- horizontal-axis turbines we know. JANEK SKARZYNSKI/AFP/Getty Images One of the most promising alternative-energy technologies has, in recent years, garnered more skepticism than praise. read more