Planning

{CANCELLED] 4855/AMRC/GM/2025 Kiln Modification for Hydrogen / Natural Gas Mix

UNIVERSITY OF SHEFFIELD

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

PlanningUpdate

09 Oct 2025 at 11:11

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Planning

08 Oct 2025 at 13:42

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The University of Sheffield is conducting a tender process for the Kiln Modification for a Hydrogen/Natural Gas Mix, aligned with sustainable manufacturing goals at the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) in Catcliffe, South Yorkshire. The procurement, currently in the planning stage as of 9th October 2025, aims to convert a kiln for use with a blend of hydrogen and natural gas. The initiative is part of AMRC's decarbonisation efforts and is being conducted under an EU open procedure compliant with the Procurement Act 2023, with a preliminary market engagement deadline set for 15th October 2025. The procurement falls under the industry categories of natural gas, hydrogen, and miscellaneous equipment, with an indicative contract period from December 2025 to December 2028.

This tender represents a significant opportunity for businesses specialising in sustainable energy solutions, particularly those experienced with gas and hydrogen systems. It is well-suited for companies capable of providing technical modifications to existing kiln equipment and those interested in contributing to cutting-edge decarbonisation projects. The procurement, estimated at GBP 300,000 to GBP 360,000, is particularly advantageous for small to medium enterprises (SMEs) that focus on renewable energy innovations, heating-plant systems, and decarbonization technologies. Participating businesses will have the chance to collaborate with a leading research institution while expanding their footprint in sustainable manufacturing sectors.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

{CANCELLED] 4855/AMRC/GM/2025 Kiln Modification for Hydrogen / Natural Gas Mix

Notice Description

4855/AMRC/GM/2025 Kiln Modification for Hydrogen / Natural Gas Mix The University of Sheffield wishes to invite tenders for a Kiln Modification for Hydrogen / Natural Gas Mix on behalf of the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, Castings Group at Catcliffe, South Yorkshire. Scope of Requirement The University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) wishes to convert its existing kiln from natural gas to a natural gas and hydrogen blend. Sustainable Manufacturing is a core theme within the AMRC's Technology Strategy and part of that theme is to decarbonise our own operations and to act as a demonstrator and experimental test bed for UK manufacturers looking to decarbonise their own operations. AMRC Castings are investing in pyrolysis equipment to supply our mould firing kiln with decarbonised natural gas (i.e. hydrogen / natural gas blend). This is being tendered in parallel with this tender process. The furnace is a 656kW kiln used for firing the ceramic shells used for investment casting. This will need modification/upgrading to be capable of operating with different blends of hydrogen and natural gas. It is imperative that the conversion of our furnace includes interaction with the control system of the decarburisation equipment to comply with H&S requirements for emergency situations. Tender Process and Documentation: This procurement is an EU open procedure conducted in accordance with the Procurement ACT 2023. The ITT can be downloaded by registering and expressing your interest on the University's e-tendering system https://in-tendhost.co.uk/Sheffield If you have any questions or comments in relation to this tender they must be submitted via the In-tend System, this can be accessed at https://in-tendhost.co.uk/Sheffield Closing date for the Preliminary Market Engagement is on October 15, 2025 at 12 noon (UK time).

Planning Information

4855/AMRC/GM/2025 Kiln Modification for Hydrogen / Natural Gas Mix The University of Sheffield wishes to invite tenders for a Kiln Modification for Hydrogen / Natural Gas Mix on behalf of the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, Castings Group at Catcliffe, South Yorkshire. Scope of Requirement The University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) wishes to convert its existing kiln from natural gas to a natural gas and hydrogen blend. Sustainable Manufacturing is a core theme within the AMRC’s Technology Strategy and part of that theme is to decarbonise our own operations and to act as a demonstrator and experimental test bed for UK manufacturers looking to decarbonise their own operations. AMRC Castings are investing in pyrolysis equipment to supply our mould firing kiln with decarbonised natural gas (i.e. hydrogen / natural gas blend). This is being tendered in parallel with this tender process. The furnace is a 656kW kiln used for firing the ceramic shells used for investment casting. This will need modification/upgrading to be capable of operating with different blends of hydrogen and natural gas. It is imperative that the conversion of our furnace includes interaction with the control system of the decarburisation equipment to comply with H&S requirements for emergency situations. Tender Process and Documentation: This procurement is an EU open procedure conducted in accordance with the Procurement ACT 2023. The ITT can be downloaded by registering and expressing your interest on the University`s e-tendering system https://in-tendhost.co.uk/Sheffield If you have any questions or comments in relation to this tender they must be submitted via the In-tend System, this can be accessed at https://in-tendhost.co.uk/Sheffield Closing date for the Preliminary Market Engagement is on October 15, 2025 at 12 noon (UK time).

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-05aabb
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/063675-2025
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Goods
Procurement Method
Not Specified
Procurement Method Details
Not specified
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

09 - Petroleum products, fuel, electricity and other sources of energy

24 - Chemical products

39 - Furniture (incl. office furniture), furnishings, domestic appliances (excl. lighting) and cleaning products

42 - Industrial machinery

45 - Construction work

51 - Installation services (except software)

71 - Architectural, construction, engineering and inspection services

CPV Codes

09123000 - Natural gas

24111600 - Hydrogen

24311800 - Carbon

39300000 - Miscellaneous equipment

42663000 - Surface tempering machines

45259300 - Heating-plant repair and maintenance work

51514000 - Installation services of miscellaneous general-purpose machinery

71321200 - Heating-system design services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£300,000 £100K-£500K
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
9 Oct 20254 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
15 Oct 2025Expired
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
15 Dec 2025 - 15 Dec 2028 3-4 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planning
Lots Status
Planning
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
UNIVERSITY OF SHEFFIELD
Contact Name
Ghulam Mujtaba
Contact Email
procurement@sheffield.ac.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
SHEFFIELD
Postcode
S10 2TN
Post Town
Sheffield
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLE Yorkshire and The Humber
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLE3 South Yorkshire
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLE32 Sheffield
Delivery Location
Not specified
Local Authority
Sheffield
Electoral Ward
Broomhill and Sharrow Vale
Westminster Constituency
Sheffield Central

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

Download

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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