A £150 million (around €175.6 million) extreme environment center capable of simulating currents, waves and wind is planned to be built in the UK, enabling the testing of technologies in realistic simulated conditions for the subsea and offshore wind markets, among other things.
Being developed by NauteXe Global at Exeter Science Park, the NauteXe Extreme Environment Centre (NEEC) will allow organizations that operate in complex and hazardous environments to test their technologies in realistic simulated conditions.
The facility will feature a research and development test tank, measuring 60 meters by 40 meters, with depths of up to 30 meters, supporting organizations across defense, offshore wind, subsea and space. The plans also include an engineering and laboratory facility to support growth and supply chain development.
“A sovereign UK facility capable of delivering controlled, high-fidelity, repeatable extreme-environment testing at scale does not currently exist. That capability gap is slowing innovation across sectors that are strategically vital to the UK’s future resilience, security and economic growth. This facility will help address this national challenge by providing infrastructure that supports faster development, validation and deployment of technologies across defence, subsea critical infrastructure protection, offshore energy and autonomous systems,” said Marc Drew, Chief Executive of NauteXe Global.
“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.”
According to Marine Energy Wales, the facility is forecast to generate over £270 million of direct economic impact for the region, increasing to more than £500 million when wider supply chain benefits are included, as well as support hundreds of jobs during construction and early operation, growing to more than 70 permanent roles at maturity.
NauteXe Global, Exeter Science Park and its shareholders Devon County Council, East Devon District Council, Exeter City Council and the University of Exeter, together with Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the development of the project.
Planning is expected to be submitted by the end of the year, with the center to be completed in 2029.
The development will be funded through private investment and project finance, with grant support targeted in the development stages. This includes match-funded grant support, which NauteXe Global has been awarded through The Crown Estate’s Supply Chain Accelerator.
“This is a nationally significant project which will be of strategic importance to the region. It aligns strongly with Exeter Science Park’s mission to generate high-value jobs, drive productivity and deliver lasting economic growth,” said Lindsay Lucas, Chief Executive of Exeter Science Park.
“The South West is home to world-leading universities and genuinely groundbreaking research which create a unique environment for this facility to thrive. In addition, our region has deep expertise in the critically important sectors it will serve and the selection of Exeter Science Park as the location means the South West is perfectly placed to capture the full economic and employment benefits it will bring.”
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