The Net Zero Technology Centre (NZTC) is reopening the former Weatherford Evaluation Centre at Aberdeen Energy Park, Bridge of Don, marking a significant step in Scotland's energy transition. The facility, closed since 2020, will be relaunched as a major testing hub, reinforcing Aberdeen's position as a global centre for energy innovation. The nearest comparable site is in Norway.

The long-term lease has been agreed with Manchester-based AM Sci Tech, a subsidiary of Hurstwood Holdings and owner of Aberdeen Energy & Innovation Parks. The move aligns with NZTC's shift to a commercially driven, self-sustaining model, focusing on industry-led services. NZTC is narrowing its remit from broad, publicly funded innovation to targeted government-backed programmes, an expanded technology services offer, and continued growth of its TechX accelerator, one of Europe's leading energy start-up hubs.

At the heart of the relaunch is a state-of-the-art Technology Testing Hub designed for equipment validation ahead of offshore deployment and decommissioning. An advanced drilling and testing environment will be developed at the existing borehole site, offering full-scale, realistic simulations for drilling and well operations without the cost of offshore trials. The site includes four boreholes of varying specifications, among them a directionally drilled well; the deepest reaches 4,000 feet, roughly the height of four Shards stacked end-to-end. A multi-million-pound drilling rig will be installed on site, and plans for modular, two-storey office buildings are under way. The offices are expected to be ready by Autumn 2026, with rig installation scheduled for September.

The enhanced testing capability will be organised around three core hubs: a Wells Test & Demonstration Centre for validating well technologies locally; an Asset Integrity Testing Centre for lifecycle and performance optimisation; and a UAS Operations Centre focused on advanced aerial inspection and monitoring. The facility will operate as a flexible, hireable environment, enabling customers to configure full-scale test setups to de-risk operations before going offshore.

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NZTC's new commercial model will be underpinned by industry partnerships, service provision and a membership framework aligned to its testing and technology hubs. The centre expects to attract leading international oil and energy service firms and aims to grow its customer base in key global markets, including Norway.

With decommissioning projected to dominate activity on the UK Continental Shelf over the next decade, the hub is well placed to support that demand while also preparing for opportunities in well intervention, geothermal energy, district heating, and carbon capture and storage.

AM Sci Tech has invested significantly to repurpose the site to meet evolving industry needs, integrating advanced testing infrastructure and creating a flexible innovation environment. Since acquiring the site in January 2025, half the facility has been let to Norwegian-owned tool rental business RTS, with additional asset management and investment undertaken to secure NZTC as a long-term occupier.

David Cameron, Head of Industry & Commercial Projects at NZTC, said: "This move marks a pivotal moment in our evolution. Transitioning to a commercially sustainable model allows us to continue supporting the energy sector with world-class testing facilities, while driving innovation in net zero and beyond.

"investment in this facility, including the installation of a full-scale drilling rig and advanced testing infrastructure, demonstrates our commitment to supporting the energy sector through its transition to net zero.

"By creating a highly realistic, configurable testing environment, we are enabling operators and technology developers to de-risk innovation before deployment offshore. This not only improves safety and efficiency but accelerates the adoption of new technologies across decommissioning, well intervention and emerging areas such as geothermal and carbon capture. We are proud to continue our role in driving innovation from the North East of Scotland while building a sustainable, industry-backed future."

Gordon Pirie, Asset Manager at AM Sci Tech, added: "This is a story of industrial regeneration, reflecting the continued evolution of the site. Securing NZTC as a long-term occupier is a major milestone and a strong endorsement of both the location and our vision for Aberdeen Energy & Innovation Parks. This agreement represents a significant multi-million-pound investment, transforming the site into a highly specialised, future-ready facility aligned with the evolving needs of the energy sector.

"Working closely with NZTC, we have repurposed the site to integrate large-scale testing infrastructure, modular office space and a drilling rig, creating a unique UK offering. This demonstrates how proactive asset management and targeted investment can unlock economic opportunities, attract international occupiers and reinforce Aberdeen's global position in energy transition and decommissioning.

"By enabling the testing and scaling of innovations, the site will support regional resilience, inward investment and a just transition."

Knight Frank and Ryden are joint letting agents for Aberdeen Energy & Innovation Parks.