Bedford man to talk about harnessing wind energy

Jan 22 - The News & Advance

 

When the wind blows, Roger Beale saves money.

The retired engineer built a 100-foot-tall wind turbine in his backyard to generate power and cut back on electric bills.

At an upcoming seminar at the Sedalia Center in Bedford County, he'll talk about the benefits of turbines and how others can build their own.

The event, "Beyond the Gas Generator," is set for Feb. 10 at 1 p.m.

Through a Power Point presentation, Beale will explain how he designed, built and maintains the alternative energy system on his property in the New London area.

In a recent interview, he called renewable energy "one of my fascinations."

He had worked for years as a systems engineer and educated himself on building the tower with the help of books, online research and conversations with professionals in wind energy.

"I wanted something easy to maintain, something I could handle myself," Beale said in the interview, looking up at the tower. "I ended up creating that monster right there and I've been real pleased with it."

As he extended the turbine higher, he had to receive special approval from the county Board of Supervisors to reach 100 feet. Board members were impressed with the work and Supervisor Annie Pollard said she wished she had a similar system in her own yard.

Bedford County, along with a few other Central Virginia counties, began regulating small wind energy systems within the past few years.

The educational seminar highlights residential wind energy as a low-cost source of power.

Deanne Zimmerman of the Virginia Center for Wind Energy at James Madison University is scheduled to speak on the economics of wind energy and programs that can help obtain residential systems for personal use.

Fred Fralick, a member of the Bedford County Planning Commission, will discuss wind energy regulations.

The center is located at 1108 Sedalia School Road in Big Island. The seminar is from 1 to 5 p.m. and is free to the public.

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