New Stony Brook energy center expected to open early

How many building projects are ever on schedule, never mind ahead of schedule? The Advanced Energy Research and Technology Center at Stony Brook University will look to open its doors as early as July, instead of this fall as had previously been expected.

Robert Catell, the former KeySpan-National Grid executive who is chairman of the research and technology center, said earlier this week, "We're a couple of months ahead of schedule."

"You never like to brag about these things because it could change," Catell said. "But we're very pleased with the way construction has been going."

The new center is expected to provide a boost to Long Island's fledgling efforts to become a leader in new sources of energy. It is hoped technology research to be conducted at the center will spawn new companies on the leading edge.

Some of that research, Catell said, is being conducted at Stony Brook University now.

"There are about 80 projects there now," Catell said. "Some of them will be transferred" to the center.

State Sens. Kenneth LaValle (R-Port Jefferson) and John Flanagan (R-East Northport), led a Long Island delegation effort that secured $35 million in capital money for the center.

At a glance

What: Advanced Energy Research and Technology Center

Where: State University at Stony Brook

What it is: A facility where research will be conducted toward developing new technologies for new sources of energy, such as wind and solar.

What's new: Construction of the center is now ahead of schedule, with an opening possibly as early as July, instead of the fall, as originally planned

Who's in charge: Robert Catell, who formerly headed KeySpan and National Grid