The Sheffield Siemens Wind Power Research Centre (S²WP) is expected to employ around 20 people and will focus on “developing the most reliable, innovative and efficient wind turbine generators,” Siemens says.

The Siemens Wind Power Research Centre will specialise in providing the overall technology, architecture and design of onshore and offshore wind turbine generators.

The University of Sheffield was chosen following Siemens’ long-term partnership with the University’s Electronic and Electrical Engineering department.

Christoph Ehlers, Managing Director for Siemens Wind Power in the UK, says: “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.”

The first endorsement of the collaboration came recently with a £1 million award to undertake joint innovation funded by The Northern Wind Innovation Programme and Siemens Wind Power in Denmark. An additional £0.55 million has been awarded to the University in direct funding by Siemens Wind Power.