A £150M ‘extreme environment centre’ is to be built in the South West of England that will test technology for offshore energy, subsea and autonomous systems
The NauteXe Extreme Environment Centre (NEEC), which is being developed by NauteXe Global, will serve organisations that operate in complex and hazardous environments.
The centre will allow operators to test technology in realistic, simulated conditions, from the deep ocean floor to the conditions experienced by offshore wind installations, without the high cost, unpredictability and risk of live-environment trials.
It will have a research and development test tank, measuring 60 m by 40 m, with depths of up to 30 m. The test tank will be capable of simulating currents, waves and wind. Planning is expected to be submitted by the end of 2026 with the NEEC set for completion in 2029.
NauteXe Global chief executive Marc Drew described the facility as “a critical piece of national infrastructure,” with the potential to strengthen UK resilience and accelerate innovation in offshore energy, maritime autonomous systems and defence.
“Asovereign 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 vital to the UK’s future resilience, security and economic growth,” said Mr Drew.
“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.”
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), underpinning their shared commitment to the project.
The development of the facility 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.
