A wind energy system continuously responsive to changes in wind direction and speed. The system includes a low-profile, rotatably-mounted turbine assembly. The turbine assembly includes a wind tunnel with a "cow catcher" style wind gatherer. The tunnel defines a narrowed throat portion between the inlet and outlet to increase the wind speed. A turbine mounted on a stand is fitted inside the outlet end of the tunnel, and may be movable fore and aft in response to changes in wind speed. A control system receives regular wind change forecasts from a third party, and automatically repositions the rotating turbine assembly in response to real-time predicted changes in wind vector and may also move the turbine axially relative to the throat in the tunnel in response to real-time predicted changes in wind speed. Additionally, the turbine may be turned out of the wind to avoid excessively high winds.
