Forestry England seeks turbine for Whinlatter small hydro project

The UK Government Agency, which is responsible for managing and promoting the nation’s forests, has developed a scheme for the installation of a small-scale, high head hydropower system, with a maximum possible generating capacity of around 140 kW, within Whinlatter Forest.

Forestry England invites bids by 4 March 2020 for the design, manufacture, supply, installation and commissioning, as well as the planned and reactive maintenance, of a turbine for the Whinlatter hydro scheme in Cumbria in northwest England.

The purpose of the scheme is to transform the Whinlatter site into a carbon-free, net energy producer. An outline scheme has been granted planning permission, consisting of an inlet structure, penstock, turbine house and outlet, with electrical connections into both the Whinlatter Visitor Centre and into Thornthwaite, for export to the National Grid. Detailed design is underway for the overall scheme. The contract, which is expected to begin in May and take 60 months, has a value range of UK£ 180 000 to 225 000, with an estimated total value of UK£ 225 000 excluding VAT, according to the tender notice published on 29 January. The maintenance service will be for an initial period of five years post commissioning.

The procurement documents are available for unrestricted and full direct access, free of charge, at: https://www.delta-esourcing.com/tenders/UK-UK-Bristol:-Construction-work./7N22K4RAVH

The contracting authority considers that this contract may be suitable for small or medium enterprises. However, any selection of tenderers will be based solely on the criteria set out for the procurement.

For more information, please visit the Delta eSourcing portal: www.delta-esourcing.com/tenders. Bids can be made via: www.delta-esourcing.com; Go reference: GO-2020129-PRO-15892778 or contact: Forestry Commission, Coldharbour Lane, Bristol, BS16 1EJ, UK; Tel: +44 3000 674000; Email: procurement.england@forestengland.uk.