In 2012, the University of Nottingham and Alstom Grid formed a partnership, mainly focusing on power electronics technology.

In a further development, Alstom Grid’s Dr Colin Oates has been appointed as an associate professor at the University, and David Trainer and Omar Jasim from the company’s research team are now based in office facilities within the university.

Colin Davidson, chief technology officer for Alstom’s high-voltage direct-current technology, said: “Given that we’re both world leaders in the field of power electronics, creating such a collaboration was a natural choice for both of us.

“We can already see very positive outcomes in some highly technical areas of High Voltage Direct Current technology, and are delighted to be able to celebrate a second successful year of working together.”

The university will work with Alstom to complete prototyping work on a number of projects before looking to develop the third generation of Alstom’s Voltage Source Converter technology.