The Siemens research centre will specialise in providing the overall technology, architecture and design of onshore and offshore wind turbine generators, devices generating electrical energy from wind power, for the global market.
The university was chosen following Siemens’ long-term partnership with the University’s Electronic and Electrical Engineering department. The Electrical Machines and Drives Group undertakes research on technologies that are said to be vital to future developments in electrical power engineering.
A fundamental element of the collaboration will include access to the group’s 70 academic and research personnel, as well as the university’s facilities.
Christoph Ehlers, managing director of Siemens Wind Power UK, said: “Partnerships like this are essential to maintain our leading position in producing more efficient and reliable wind turbine technologies. Our constant dialogue with the University’s experts will translate into real world solutions with benefits to both the wind industry and the environment.
“We’re delighted to receive the funding in recognition of our partnership to develop next generation wind turbine technologies. The funding will not only help us serve the global market more competitively but also enable wind power to make a major contribution to the UK’s energy needs.”
The first endorsement of the collaboration came recently with a GBP1m award to undertake joint effort funded by The Northern Wind Innovation Programme and Siemens Wind Power in Denmark. An additional GBP0.55m has been awarded to the university in direct funding by Siemens Wind Power.
