For wind power, it's all about nuts, bolts, bearings, gear boxes - and jobs

In the back and forth over wind energy, one thing is clear. As Congress tries to come to grips with what to do about renewable energy, other countries have surged ahead with great focus.

The effect has been powerful for the economies of China, India, Brazil, and much of Europe, where the contours of a major renewable industrial manufacturing base are appearing. Factories overseas are in overdrive, making bearings, gear boxes, generators, nacelles, turbine blades and towers, all the component parts that go into producing a wind turbine.