Tata Power and University of Warwick have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on research and innovation in new energy systems, marking a significant strategic alliance between industry and academia.
The agreement will focus on grid modernization, fast charging, power storage, industrial decarbonisation, digital energy systems, optimisation and advanced manufacturing approaches. The collaboration also signals the growing importance of research expertise in shaping large-scale industrial transformation.
The partnership builds upon decades of expertise at Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG), one of the University’s largest academic departments, and the School of Engineering. The University also announced a renewed institutional focus on energy systems, further strengthening the partnership’s foundation.
Beyond research, the collaboration will explore industry-aligned executive education programmes, capability development initiatives, exchange opportunities, technical workshops, and joint case study development. Together, these initiatives aim to strengthen long-term research capability, talent development and global academic engagement aligned with Tata Power’s strategic priorities.
Professor Stuart Croft, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Warwick, said: “We strive to make a better world through our world-leading research and education. Our partnership with Tata Power marries our academic excellence with leading industry expertise to help advance a more sustainable future for people, places, and our planet.”
The University maintains established research groups spanning the energy spectrum — from semiconductors and components to power electronics, machines and drives (PEMD), and full energy systems. By increasing cross-disciplinary collaboration and focusing on power supply innovation, the University aims to support partners like Tata Power in accelerating decarbonisation, including the transition from fossil fuels to electrification, grid innovation, advanced power storage and a system-level approach.
“Tata Power is committed to transforming India’s energy landscape,” said Dr Praveer Sinha, CEO and MD of Tata Power and Honorary Professor at WMG. “Our vision is to empower a billion lives through sustainable, affordable, and innovative energy solutions, and we are making strong progress toward that goal. We are building a consumer-centric green energy future anchored in decarbonization, reliable and affordable power, and long-term sustainability. Our agreement with the University of Warwick -an institution with a distinguished track record in electrification and sustainability will further accelerate our ambitions and strengthen the pathway to achieving them.”
Established research programmes within WMG and the School of Engineering already support advances in circular materials, battery innovation, wind energy, artificial intelligence and industrial decarbonisation, contributing to national and international carbon reduction targets.
“Applying excellent research to deliver industrial and societal impact has been part of WMG’s mission for the past 45 years,” said Professor Kerry Kirwan, Dean of WMG. “And our celebrated partnership with the Tata Group stretches back decades. It is a partnership built on extensive collaboration across research, education and innovation, and it’s exciting to see how that legacy continues to deliver positive global impact.”
Professor David Greenwood, Director for Industrial Engagement and CEO of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult at WMG, added: “Research relationships with India, including Tata, have always been incredibly valuable to us. With a free trade agreement now in place between the UK and India, now is the ideal time to work together on critical challenges of energy, industry and the environment, while exploring new research, education and engagement opportunities.”
The partnership also underscores the importance of systems-level thinking in achieving economically viable industrial decarbonisation. WMG has demonstrated capability in working with large-scale energy users such as ports and airports to develop detailed investment and return roadmaps. Meanwhile, the School of Engineering is advancing research in advanced control systems and artificial intelligence for future power and energy systems.
Professor David Towers, Head of the School of Engineering, said: “By applying artificial intelligence–enabled modelling and control techniques, we are developing solutions that enhance system stability, resilience, and efficiency. Our research spans national, regional, and microgrid-scale infrastructures, integrating renewables — particularly wind — alongside energy storage and hydrogen technologies. We look forward to working with Tata Power to translate these capabilities into scalable, industrially relevant decarbonisation pathways.”