Contractors sought for design and construction of Scottish hydropower scheme

Scottish regional authority the Highland Council seeks to appoint an experienced principal contractor to undertake the design and construction of the River Ness hydropower generation scheme. Bids are requested by 22 October.

The River Ness scheme will comprise the design and construction of a new low-head plant based on a 100 kW single Archimedes screw turbine generator at Torvean weir in Whin Park on the river Ness upstream of the town of Inverness.

The contract will entail the preparation of a technical scheme design and ecological studies, obtaining all necessary licences, consents and permissions, installation, commissioning and project management of an Archimedean screw and associated plant, electrical connections, control and electrical systems, debris screen and inlet sluice gate, private wire link to existing buildings and all associated civil works as well as all required routine and cyclical maintenance for the first year of operation. The contract has an estimated total value of UKĀ£ 850 000 (US$ 1.1 million) excluding VAT, according to the tender notice published on 27 September.

A minimum of three candidates are expected to be shortlisted with selected candidates expected to be invited to tender or to participate in early November.

The procurement documents are available for unrestricted and full direct access, free of charge at: https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk. To register your interest in this notice and obtain any additional information please visit the Public Contracts Scotland Web Site at: https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/Search/Search_Switch.aspx?ID=558894.

For further information, contact: the Highland Council, Council Headquarters, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness IV3 5BX, UK; Tel: +44 1463644837; Email: allan.henderson@highland.gov.uk; Website: www.highland.gov.uk.