The Global Centre of Rail Excellence (GCRE) is a new, purpose-built rail innovation facility being built in South Wales that will undertake world-class research, testing and certification of rolling stock, infrastructure and innovative new rail technologies - something that currently doesn’t exist on a single site in either the UK or in Europe. Operational 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the facility will include two electrified test loops, one a 6.9km high speed rolling stock track and the other a 4km track for heavy infrastructure testing. Opening in 2025 it will become the UK’s first ever net zero railway, supporting the innovation needed to aid the UKs path to net zero and, crucially, helping lower the costs of major rail infrastructure projects. Located on a former open cast mine in the Dulais Valley, it will create long-term, high-quality jobs and become a magnet for other, high-quality investments and R&D. Planning permission has been secured for the project and its 24-hour, seven day a week operation, with construction beginning in early 2023. Site clearance has already commenced, and an experienced management team is in place to drive the project forward.