Test track plan for cyber cars
PLANS for a new facility developing cyber networks needed to control driverless vehicles, with its own model street test track, have been revealed as part of the next phase of the National Digital Exploitation Centre (NDEC) in Ebbw Vale.
Global technology company Thales and the Welsh Government have announced the next stage with the creation of a campus for cyber trust at the former steelworks site as part of a £7m investment.
The development will add two new centres to the NDEC to create the ResilientWorks campus.
It is envisaged that start-ups to major international companies, as well as governments, will use ResilientWorks to test and develop trust in operational technology and key infrastructure for growth sectors in the economy and critical public services.
The project is part of the Welsh Government’s wider plans to build a new tech cluster in Blaenau Gwent.
The initiative is being funded by Thales and the Welsh Government’s Tech Valleys programme, with a research contribution from Cardiff University, to create:
■ The Autonomous Trust Centre – a facility focusing on the resiliency of the cyber networks needed for autonomous vehicles to work safely and reliably, including a test track and model street complex; and
■ The Trydan Centre – a facility focused on cyber security in the generation, transmission and storage of electricity.
The campus will include research laboratories. The facilities are scheduled to be running by the autumn and fully operational by year end.
The £7m funding, equally split between Thales and the Welsh Government, will also fund the first three years of operation after which point they aim to become self-sustaining.
A partnership between Thales, Welsh Government and the University of South Wales, it has already won work for Wales from Innovate UK and the UK Government and is working with companies from overseas. It is also collaborating with indigenous firms such as Protecht and Awen Collective.
The centre has also become the key global operational technology cyber centre for Thales globally.
Gareth Williams, vice-president, secure communications and information systems (SIX), Thales, said: “Not many companies are making major multi-million-proud investments at the moment. But our view that this bold initiative will give the valleys a critical mass in cyber for critical infrastructure, benefiting the smaller companies of the South Wales cyber cluster, bringing in new work and investment from outside Wales, and giving Wales a distinct identity in the international technology markets.”
Deputy Minister for Economy Lee
Waters said: “Embracing digital innovation is vital if we are to succeed in a world where technology is advancing rapidly and playing a crucial role in the way we live our lives and how we work.
“Our commitment to ResillientWorks underpins this evolution and is part of our plan to build a new tech cluster in Ebbw Vale that will drive the economy of Blaenau Gwent and beyond, and give Wales a distinctive edge.
“I am delighted that the Welsh Government has been able to support this crucial project which, along with a Blaenau Gwent based pilot for 5G technology and innovative new business accommodation, will be key as we rebuild the local economy so that it is more prosperous, green and fairer than ever before.”
The NDEC currently employs 13 staff.