Former Weatherford site set for rebirth as a major energy technology testing hub
A major milestone in the evolution of Scotland’s energy transition sector has been reached as the Net Zero Technology Centre (NZTC) is set to reopen the former Weatherford Evaluation Centre, located within Aberdeen Energy Park at Bridge of Don.
NZTC is launching a major technology testing hub in the heart of the North East of Scotland, agreeing a long-term lease at the unique site, which closed in 2020. This represents a major opportunity for Aberdeen to cement its position as a worldwide leader in innovation for the energy sector, with the nearest equivalent facility being located in Norway.
The agreement has been secured with Manchester-based AM Sci Tech, a subsidiary of Hurstwood Holdings and owner of the Aberdeen Energy & Innovation Parks. The move represents a new chapter for NZTC as it transitions to a commercially driven, self-sustaining organisation, delivering industry-led services that will play a vital role in the future of the North East economy. The centre is reshaping how it works with industry, moving away from a broad, publicly funded innovation remit towards a more focused approach that includes the delivery of targeted government-funded programmes, an expanded technology services arm, and the continued growth of its TechX accelerator one of Europe’s leading energy start-up hubs.
A New Hub for Energy Transition Innovation
The NZTC’s Technology Testing Hub is set to become home to a state-of-the-art testing facility, purpose-built to support equipment validation ahead of offshore deployment and decommissioning. At the core of the relaunch is the development of an advanced drilling and testing environment, located at the existing borehole site. This facility will deliver a full-scale, highly realistic simulation setting for evaluating technologies, systems and methodologies used in drilling and well operations, without the need for costly offshore deployment. The site features four boreholes of varying specifications, including a directionally drilled well. The deepest extends to 4,000 feet, approximately equivalent to stacking The Shard four times. A multi-million-pound drilling rig, will be installed on-site, with construction of a modular, two-storey office buildings already in planning. These are expected to be operational by Autumn 2026, with the rig installation scheduled for September.
Three Core Business Pillars
NZTC’s renewed testing offering will be structured around three key operational hubs:
· Wells Test & Demonstration Centre – enabling operators to test and validate well technologies within the North East of Scotland
· Asset Integrity Testing Centre – supporting lifecycle management and performance optimisation
· UAS Operations Centre – focused on advanced aerial inspection and monitoring technologies
The facility will operate as a flexible, hireable testing environment, allowing companies to de-risk operations before offshore deployment. Customers will have access to a full-scale testing with configurable setups tailored to specific operational requirements.
Driving Industry Collaboration and Investment
The new commercial model will see NZTC funded through industry partnerships, service provision, and a membership framework aligned with its testing and technology hubs. The Centre is expected to attract leading international oil and energy service companies, with ambitions to expand its customer base into key global markets including Norway.
Supporting Decommissioning and Future Energy Opportunities
With decommissioning activity forecast to dominate the UK Continental Shelf over the next decade, the facility is well-positioned to support this growing market. At the same time, NZTC is preparing for future opportunities in well intervention, geothermal energy, district heating and carbon capture and storage.
Landlord Investment Unlocks Site Potential
The deal also underscores AM Sci Tech’s proactive role in repurposing the site over the past year to meet evolving industry needs. Significant investment is being made to transform the facility, enabling the integration of advanced testing infrastructure and creating a flexible, future-ready innovation environment. Since acquiring the site in January 2025, half of the facility has been successfully let to Norwegian-owned tool rental business RTS. Further targeted asset management and investment has also been undertaken to secure NZTC as a long-term occupant.
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.