GE launches effort to develop most powerful windmill

With more nations turning to wind power to reduce their dependence on imported oil, General Electric is bracing for a major gust of demand for its windmills. GE and the U.S. Department of Energy have announced a $27 million project to develop one of the world's most powerful windmills. The work will be done by the engineers and scientists at General Electric's Global Research Center in Niskayuna. The researchers will design the prototype of an offshore wind turbine with 220-foot-long blades that will generate enough electricity to power more than 2,000 homes. GE already produces the largest offshore turbine in use today. GE has seen steady growth in its wind power business as governments worldwide seek alternatives to fossil fuel power. The company has installed more than 8,000 wind turbines in the past four years and expects to sell another 4,000-plus over the next two years.