Abstract This paper provides an introduction to the basic aspects of the exploitation of wind energy for electricity generation, as regards both the characteristics of the source and the features and state-of-the-art of today's wind energy conversion systems. It also provides an overview of worldwide applications of wind energy and of the various factors currently driving the wind turbine market. Possible restraints to and benefits from wind plant integration in utility systems are considered, as well as the use of stand-alone wind systems. Some possible forecasts on the role of wind energy in the next two decades are also given.