Press/Media
From: Advanced Energy Center at Stony Brook University
Contact: Office of Media Relations Stony Brook University, 631-632-6310
NEWS RELEASE: ADVANCED ENERGY RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY CENTER AND HYDRO-QUEBEC ANNOUNCE PARTNERSHIP FOR CLEAN ENERGY
Joint Efforts Expected to Result in Collaborative Agreements for Applying New Energy Technologies
NEW YORK, NY, November 8, 2010 – The Advanced Energy Research and Technology Center (AERTC) located at Stony Brook University, and Hydro-Quebec (HQ) today announced that they have agreed upon a memorandum of understanding under which they will look at ways to coordinate resources for advancing new clean energy technologies with an eye toward enhancing their respective electric power systems.
Robert Catell, Chairman of the AERTC Board of Advisors, and Denis Faubert, General Manager of the Hydro-Quebec Research Institute announced Monday plans by their organizations to enter into joint research efforts to lead to collaborative agreements for benefiting electricity consumers in New York State and Quebec.
The announcement of the technology collaborative partnership came at the Advanced Energy 2010 Conference at the New York Hilton in New York City, a two-day event produced by AERTC. The focus of the conference is on clean and efficient energy practices and technologies for enhancing New York’s electric power system and bringing about significant economic and environmental benefits.
“We’re excited by the possibilities of this research and development partnership and the synergistic effect that will result from collaborative efforts,” said Catell, former chairman of National Grid, USA. “By working in common purpose, AERTC, Hydro-Quebec and other organizations that may participate can make a real difference for the electric power system and in helping to advance electric technologies including energy efficiency. This partnership reflects our determination to be among the leaders in integrating the latest technologies for the people of New York State, Canada and beyond.”
“Hydro-Quebec, which is one of the largest power producers in North America, has a strong tradition of dedicating resources for clean and efficient energy research to support our generation of power from nonpolluting hydroelectricity,” said Faubert. “We’re looking forward to the opportunity to team with AERTC and its partners for exploring innovative technologies to further enhance the electric power systems on both sides of the border.”
Mr. Catell and Mr. Faubert were joined by Richard M. Kessel, NYPA President and Chief Executive Officer who said, “This agreement represents a significant opportunity for AERTC and for New York State to enhance and accelerate the introduction of advanced technology benefiting the electric system and energy consumers. The Power Authority, which provides up to one quarter of New York’s electricity with more than 1,400 circuit miles of high voltage transmission line, provided an initial grant of $500,000 to AERTC for broad based energy research. NYPA will continue to work with AERTC and Hydro-Quebec to support its research initiatives.”
“The partnership of AERTC and Hydro-Quebec seeks to achieve enhanced results for the development and commercializing new technologies,” said Catell. “These technologies are integral to a 21st century economy for ensuring the reliability of the electric power system in the digital age, while responding to environmental challenges such as combating greenhouse gas emissions. Strategic investments in new clean energy methods and practices such as initiatives for promoting a ‘smarter’ electric power grid, also have huge possibilities for lowering New York State ratepayer bills and creating new homegrown energy jobs to help jolt the economy back into shape. For all of these reasons, the collaborative partnership that we’re announcing today is a significant development.”
Hydro-Quebec is a sponsor of the Nov. 8-9 Advanced Energy Conference, now in its fourth year, and for the first time, being held in New York City (sponsor and exhibitor information is available at www.aertc.org/conference2010.
About The Advanced Energy Research and Technology Center (AERTC)
Headquartered at Stony Brook University, AERTC is a true partnership of academic institutions, research institutions energy providers and industrial corporations. Its mission is innovative energy research, education and technology deployment with a focus on efficiency, conservation, renewable energy and nanotechnology applications for new and novel sources of energy. Construction on the Advanced Energy Center building in the Research and Development Park at Stony Brook University began in 2008 and is expected to be fully operational in fall 2010.