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Technical Preparedness Study - Hydrogen Blends in the Northern Ireland Gas Distribution Networks

Firmus Energy (Distribution) Limited

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Tender

21 Feb 2025 at 09:20

Tender Notice
Summary of the contracting process

Firmus Energy (Distribution) Limited (Firmus Energy Networks) is initiating a procurement process for a technical preparedness study on hydrogen blends in the Northern Ireland Gas Distribution Networks. This tender falls under the research services category and is being conducted through an open procedure as per the Utilities Contracts Regulations 2016. The project aims to evaluate the readiness of Northern Ireland's gas distribution infrastructure to integrate hydrogen and natural gas blends. The tender period concludes on 18th April 2025, with subsequent bid opening and award stages on the same day. The estimated commencement of the contract is 1st August 2025. Interested parties must register their details to obtain procurement documentation.

This tender presents significant opportunities for businesses specialised in technical consultancy, particularly those with expertise in gas distribution and hydrogen technologies. Small to medium-sized enterprises with capabilities in materials testing, equipment performance verification, and safety assessments will find this contract highly beneficial. Such businesses can leverage this project to showcase their innovations and increase their visibility in the energy sector. Given the project's strategic importance in the pathway to decarbonise the Northern Ireland gas network by 2050, the successful bidder will play a crucial role in pioneering the adaptation of renewable gas technologies.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Technical Preparedness Study - Hydrogen Blends in the Northern Ireland Gas Distribution Networks

Notice Description

The Northern Ireland Gas Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) (i.e. firmus energy (Distribution) Limited (firmus energy networks), Phoenix Energy Group Limited and SGN Evolve Network Limited), along with Transmission System Operators - Mutual Energy and Gas Networks Ireland (UK) - have established a pathway to decarbonise the NI Gas Network by 2050. To support this pathway, we have developed an extensive programme of research projects to support our preparations to accommodate large volumes of renewable gas. The objective of this project is to establish the readiness of NI's gas distribution networks to accept hydrogen and natural gas blends including assessment of pressure reduction stations, primary meter installations and the impacts on larger end user downstream systems. The project will aim at the outset, to maximise the draw down of relevant evidence and data from publicly available hydrogen related trials, testing and research work and other industry sources thus enabling focus to be placed on identifying and addressing gaps in data, equipment performance verification and materials testing that are specific to the NI gas distribution networks. The NI DNOs are therefore seeking a qualified and suitably experienced consultant to establish the technical and safety readiness of the NI distribution networks and end user downstream systems to accept hydrogen. Whilst the immediate priority is to identify the limits of existing gas infrastructure and end user downstream systems for hydrogen blends of up to 20% by volume, this project work shall not preclude consideration of 100% hydrogen where this can be practically, and cost effectively covered in assessments and investigative works. The final outcome of this project is expected to be a detailed and comprehensive report on the current hydrogen ready status of NI gas networks and metering assets that identifies and quantifies safety risks and mitigations, with a prioritised and cost estimated roadmap outlining the requirements for network modification or replacement, recommended areas of further testing/research work and associated expenditure, as necessary, to safely facilitate injected hydrogen.

Lot Information

Lot 1

This tender process is being led by firmus energy networks, using the open procedure in accordance with Utilities Contracts Regulations 2016 (as amended), for the benefit of itself, Phoenix Energy Group Limited and SGN Evolve Network Limited (the NI DNOs). firmus energy networks is seeking to enter into a Contract with a Service Provider to conduct a technical preparedness study for the benefit of the NI DNOs.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-04e5d9
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/006527-2025
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

73 - Research and development services and related consultancy services

CPV Codes

73110000 - Research services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
21 Feb 20251 years ago
Submission Deadline
18 Apr 2025Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
Not specified - Not specified
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Active
Lots Status
Active
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
Firmus Energy (Distribution) Limited
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
ANTRIM
Postcode
BT41 4LZ
Postcode Area
Northern Ireland
Country
Northern Ireland
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLN Northern Ireland
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLN0 Northern Ireland
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLN0D Antrim and Newtownabbey
Delivery Location
TLN Northern Ireland
Local Authority
Antrim and Newtownabbey
Electoral Ward
Antrim Centre
Westminster Constituency
South Antrim

Further Information

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

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The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts.

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