Sebastian Ziani de Ferranti (1864-1930) was a British inventor and electrical engineer who, in 1885, set up the company S. Z. de Ferranti, which became over the next century the electrical engineering and equipment firm Ferranti International plc, known for its work in power grid systems and electronics. In 1882 his design of a dynamo based on the Paccinotti principle was patented and became well-known as the Ferranti alternator. A pioneer in large-scale electrical generation, in the 1880's debate about direct current (DC) or alternating current (AC) systems for the transmission of electrical power, he opted for the AC system. In 1887, he was hired to design a power station at Deptford to supply high-voltage AC power. He designed the generating plant, building and distribution system, creating the first modern power station. His basic system is still in wide use today worldwide.