Wind power is one of the most prevalent forms of alternative energy in the world, as numerous countries have taken major steps towards weening themselves off of fossil fuels. Currently, wind power amounts to just over 2% of the world’s energy supply, but at current robust growth rates, this figure is predicted to hit 8% by 2018. From the years 2000 to 2011, global wind power capacity has increased from just 17.4 GW to 239 GW, representing a 1,274% change, as this budding industry is enjoying exponential growth in technology. While wind energy companies have yet to recover from the financial crisis, the investor who gets into this market before it kicks off again could reap the benefits [for more wind news and analysis subscribe to our free newsletter].