The utilization of wind power as an energy resource has a very long history. Under the circumstance of energy crisis, the wind is being re-evaluated as an important alternative source of energy on a world-wide scale.
First, in this paper, the author estimates the potential of wind power in Japan and then confirmes this value is very large one. Then, presents a current status of the research and development of the wind energy in the world.
Finally, he describes the contribution of the applied physics to the field of wind utilization. Especially, discusses the importance of energy density, conditions of the techniques of wind energy conversion, wind energy utilization and “soft energy paths”, and the environ-mental impact of wind energy utilization.
