UK – Significant Investment Boosts Fire and Explosion R&D Facility

September 9, 2025

DNV has announced a major investment to upgrade its Spadeadam Research and Development Facility in Cumbria, England, reinforcing its commitment to supporting a safer energy transition. The enhanced, state-of-the-art facility will enable DNV to validate the safety of technologies underpinning the push to net zero, benefiting both UK and international organizations.

Advanced Facility and Technology
At the heart of Spadeadam’s upgrade is innovation and interactivity. The facility features immersive technology, including 4K streaming, allowing audiences worldwide to experience live demonstrations in real time. Advanced audiovisual rooms and a 200-seat lecture theater, paired with premium on-site hospitality, ensure a professional and engaging environment for learning and collaboration.

A Legacy of Research
For more than 45 years, Spadeadam—located on an RAF base—has conducted large-scale research into major hazards, studying their effects on people, property, and infrastructure. DNV’s latest investment builds on this legacy by creating a collaborative space where operators, regulators, and technology providers can co-develop solutions for a safer, cleaner energy future.

Bridging Traditional and Emerging Energy Technologies
The facility integrates conventional oil and gas expertise with emerging technologies, such as hydrogen and carbon capture and storage (CCS). By combining these areas, Spadeadam continues to improve understanding of major industrial hazards, helping the sector implement safer practices across energy systems.

Leadership Perspective
Hari Vamadevan, Senior Vice President and Regional Director, UK & Ireland, Energy Systems at DNV, emphasized the importance of collaboration in the evolving energy landscape:

“While global emissions may have peaked, the rate of decline is too slow to meet climate targets. Immediate action and collaboration are essential. Spadeadam offers a controlled environment to test new technologies, simulate real-world risks, and share insights, preparing the workforce for the challenges ahead.”

He added:

“This investment supports people, knowledge, and partnerships necessary for a Just Transition. Our goal is simple: equip the sector with the tools and confidence to deliver a safer, cleaner, and sustainable energy future—and we can only achieve this together.”

Collaborative Projects and Safety Advancements
The facility also hosts DNV’s flagship ‘Skylark’ joint industry project, which is advancing safety standards in CO2 pipeline operations. These collaborations are delivering measurable improvements in risk mitigation strategies for hydrogen infrastructure and CCS deployment.

Training for Real-World Scenarios
In addition to research, Spadeadam provides world-class, hands-on training. Immersive courses simulate high-pressure situations—from hydrogen leak exercises to offshore wind safety protocols—allowing participants to understand and mitigate risks effectively. These programs are designed to meet the evolving needs of both national and international energy sectors.