East Devon has been identified as a location for extreme-environment water testing technology not currently available in the UK, simulating currents, waves and wind for defence, offshore wind, submarine and space organisations.
A massive £150 million water tank at Clyst Honiton, East Devon, on the outskirts of Exeter will give high-tech firms the chance to test new underwater drone technology, writes local democracy reporter Guy Henderson.
Pictures circulated with the announcement of the ‘extreme environment centre’ include one showing a sci-fi-style unmanned submarine exploring in deep water.
The water tank of the planned NauteXe Extreme Environment Centre. Image: Exeter City Council.
The proposal for the Exeter Science Park is forecast to generate more than £270million for the region, and that’s just the start. It could rise to more than £500million as it gets established.
The news was shared by Exeter City Council today, and science park chief executive Lindsay Lucas said: “This is a nationally significant project which will be of strategic importance to the region.
The £150 million water tank on the outskirts of Exeter will give high-tech firms the chance to test new underwater drone technologies. Image: Exeter City Council.
“It aligns strongly with Exeter Science Park’s mission to generate high-value jobs, drive productivity and deliver lasting economic growth. The location means the South West is perfectly placed to capture the full economic and employment benefits it will bring.”
The city council says the new facility will be of strategic importance to the UK’s future resilience, security and economic growth, and is being developed by NauteXe Global.
It will feature a research and development test tank, measuring 60 metres by 40 metres, with depths of up to 30 metres.
The extreme-environment water testing technology not currently available in the UK. Image: Exeter City Council.
The council says the NauteXe Extreme Environment Centre will serve organisations that operate in complex and hazardous environments. It will create hundreds of jobs during construction and around 70 jobs when finished.
It will allow operators to test their technologies in realistic simulated conditions – from the deep ocean floor to the harsh conditions of offshore wind installations and space – without the high cost, unpredictability and risk of live-environment trials.
The test tank will be capable of simulating currents, waves and wind, and will support organisations across defence, offshore wind, subsea and space.
A planning application is expected to be submitted by the end of 2026, with the project set for completion in 2029.
The site at Exeter Science Park identified as the location for the the planned extreme-environment testing facility. Image: Exeter City Council.
Marc Drew, chief executive of NauteXe Global, said: “A sovereign UK facility capable of delivering controlled, high-fidelity, repeatable extreme-environment testing at scale does not currently exist.
“Selecting Exeter Science Park places us at the heart of the South West’s growing corridor of innovation. The South West is increasingly recognised as the UK’s centre for maritime autonomy and uncrewed systems and sits adjacent to the Celtic Sea floating offshore wind zone, making it uniquely positioned to support the next generation of dual-use capability development, testing and operational readiness.”
