This project seeks to address a gap in the renewable energy market for the testing of large scale devices such as offshore wind gear boxes, drive trains and generators. It will assist the North East in continuing to attract major corporate investment in the renewable energy market and complement significant manufacturing and R&D opportunities in the local supply chain. This project will support the design, management and build of a specialised building to house large scale test infrastructure for the renewable energy market; particularly offshore wind energy. Such a facility will help accelerate major UK Government initiatives such as the Energy Technologies Institute's (Ell) Offshore Wind Programme that will invest in world class test infrastructure for the rapid deployment of large scale devices in the UK market. Through formal discussions with the ETI, One NorthEast and NaREC have received a commitment in principle that capital funding will be available to support the procurement of specialised equipment to be utilised in this facility. The investment will assist in the continued success of NaREC and its ability to offer the energy industry world-class leading edge facilities that benefit both industry and local academia. There is considerable interest from major manufacturers to utilise such a facility and replicate investment into the North East such as that secured through Clipper Wind Power. Further, it will truly establish the North East (UK) as a major hub for offshore wind technology development in the global market place and contribute significantly to the overall security of supply and climate change agenda in relation to energy.