June 16, 2010

The Valley is the perfect place to explore renewable energy sources like wind. So, it's more than a coincidence that James Madison University will host the State Wind Energy Symposium.

One of the seminars, being held Wednesday, will discuss a program called "Wind for Schools". The program would allow undergraduates at JMU to help kids in elementary through high schools, in the Valley, take a hands on approach to wind energy.

However, education isn't the only benefit the symposium is bringing. Several companies attending Wednesday's events are also interested in harvesting some of the Valley's wind.

JMU Professor Jonathan Miles says, "There are several companies who are already exploring opportunities for large wind development along the ridge lines of western Rockingham County, and particularly where we border Pendleton and Hardy County, West Virginia."

Around 250 wind energy experts nationwide plan to attend the symposium, which begins for teachers Wednesday at 8:00 a.m. and will continue into Thursday.