Wind is a form of solar energy. The irregular heating Earth's atmosphere by the Sun causes the air mass to move from regions of high pressure to lower pressure areas. The kinetic energy of the moving air (wind energy) can be translated directly into mechanical or electrical energy.

Historically, the first use of wind energy was probably to propel boats by use of sails. There is some evidence that wind energy was being used this way as early as 5000 B.C. on the Nile. At some point later, this linear motion was translated into rotational motion by means of the windmill. These were in existence in China several centuries before Christ. Windmills were initially used to pump water but over the centuries they have been used to grind grain into flour and to produce electricity. They are found in all parts of the world with Holland...