For many years the Dutch style of Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine (HAWT) has dominated the market, but now, for a number of reasons, developers and investors alike are taking another look at what Vertical Axis Wind Turbines (VAWT) can offer. This article takes a brief look at the technical reasons why this type of machine deserves closer scrutiny in the form of smaller machines for the built environment, or larger machines for wind farms and offshore applications. It tries to explain the commercial reasons why many people are now starting to recognise the benefits of VAWT machines and why this type of machine could be the next growth area within the industry.