Wind energy blows through economic downturn.

• Position: EYE ON EARTH - Brief article

Despite the global recession and decreased energy demand in many countries, more wind energy was installed last year than ever before. World windpower capacity increased 31 percent in 2009, with an additional 38 gigawatts installed, according to the Global Wind Energy Council.

China surpassed the Unites States as the windpower leader in 2009. It doubles its generation capacity for the fifth consecutive year, adding some 13 gigawatts. "China is not waiting to revamp its clean energy economy," said Virginia Sonntag-O'Brien head of the Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st Century (REN21). "Things are happening ... now at a pace that has everyone spinning."

The United States continues to lead in total installed wind capacity, adding nearly 10 gigawatts in 2009, according to the American Wind Energy Association...