In 2010, installed global offshore wind capacity reached 3, 000 MW, according to the European Wind Energy Association.

FORBES: GE Gambles on Whopper Wind Turbines

The European Wind Energy Association is targeting 40 gigawatts of offshore wind in the European Union by 2020 and says eventually offshore wind can provide 10% of Europe's power.

FORBES: Generation

Corin Millais, chief executive of the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA), says there has been a big change in the way the industry has developed during the past five years.

CNN: Wind in sails for?energy company