HARRISONBURG, Va -- The Integrated Science and Technology Department at James Madison University hosted an open house on Friday afternoon.

The open house was held at the wind facility near the Rose library. They were promoting interest in harnessing wind energy.

The facility is completely powered by the turbine and there is even energy left over that is fed in to Harrisonburg's power grid.

Professors at JMU say that alternative energy technology is advancing quickly.

“We're looking at fairly rapid growth in the next five to 10 years particularly because now we also understand that Virginia has arguably the best or one of the best offshore wind resources in the country,” said Jonathan Miles, a wind energy professor.

One of JMU's wind energy programs is helping local high schools and middle schools learn more about this technology. Thomas Harrison Middle School will have a wind turbine facility by mid November.

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