Wind Energy Summit Kicks Off in Cali

With all the interest automakers are showing in alternative energy sources, it's no wonder this year's Windpower event, the world's largest wind energy summit, will draw a lot of attention from companies not usually involved in producing energy.

The summit, which kicked off today in Anaheim, California, will see no less that 20,000 more or less important figures from several branches of the industry attending, while a total of 1,200 companies will be displaying their products. Among them GE Energy, NRG Systems, Siemens and Shermco Industries.

"We're excited to bring the world's biggest wind energy trade show to California because this is a state that understands how sound policies create the local jobs and manufacturing base that go with renewable energy," said Denise Bode, CEO of American Wind Energy Association (AWEA), the organizers of the event.

"California is a shining example of the pioneers who blazed the trail for a new way to make electricity, and WINDPOWER is an awesome demonstration of the size and scope that our great industry has reached."

Earlier this month, German manufacturer Audi announced plans to install offshore North Sea wind turbines and use them to feed energy into the public power grid, and later to use it for the production of the electric-drive e-tron models. Another car maker, Ford, powers the Dagenham Diesel Centre in the UK with wind-generated electricity as well.

In the US, wind energy already accounts for 41,400 megawatts, enough for 10 million American homes. If the trend continues, those figures are likely to increase exponentially.