The global capacity to produce power from wind turbines grew at a record pace in 2002, according to two recent announcements, and at least one company expects that high-growth trend to continue for the next decade. The global capacity to generate electricity from wind power grew by a record 6,868 megawatts in 2002, according to the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA). The 28 percent growth in capacity represents an investment of $7.3 billion, boosting world wind capacity to more than 31,000 megawatts, enough to meet the annual electricity needs of 7.5 million average U.S. homes. Global wind power capacity has quadrupled over the past five years, according to AWEA.