Wind Power Opportunities and Challenges in Virginia

May 2006 Section Meeting - Joint meeting with Computer Society Chapter

Date: Tuesday, May 2, 2006

Speaker: Dr. Jonathan J. Miles, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA - Click Here for the speaker's bio.

PDF of presentation (2.7 MB, Acrobat 6 or later)

Abstract:

Wind power is taking hold worldwide. Today it is the fastest growing energy technology, and by some estimates could supply as much as 20% of the demand for electric power in Virginia, even more if considered on a national scale. But wind power presents significant technical, social, and political challenges. The opportunities presented by wind power in Virginia, and the issues that pertain, will be described. An outlook for the future of wind power in Virginia will be presented.

Biographical Information:

Dr. Jonathan J. Miles is Professor of Intergrated Science and Technology at James Madison University and Director of the JMU Office of the Virginia Wind Energy Collaborative (VWEC) established in 2002 in partnership with Environmental Resources Trust, Inc., George Washington University Law School, Old Mill Power Company, Virginia Tech’s Alexandria Research Institute, the Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals, and Energy, and the U.S. Department of Energy to promote the balanced development of wind energy across Virginia.

Dr. Miles is also Founder and Co-Director of the Infrared Development and Thermal Structures Laboratory (IDTSL) which supports undergraduate and faculty research and development efforts that involve non-contact thermal and mechanical measurement techniques and provides expert services to government and industry and professional experiences to students. The IDTSL is supported by NASA, the National Science Foundation, and industry affiliates.

Dr. Miles received his B.A. in Physics from Clark University and his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.