Award

Project Shared - Alpha Phase

UK POWER NETWORKS (OPERATIONS) LIMITED

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Award

04 Mar 2026 at 13:23

UK5 - Transparency Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The procurement process for the "Project Shared - Alpha Phase," led by UK Power Networks (Operations) Limited, is focused on the development of hydrogen-based resilience alternatives in rural areas. This project is in the "Award" stage and has a scheduled start date of 13th March 2026, concluding on 13th November 2026. The collaboration involves The First Element Group Ltd and Frazer-Nash Consultancy Ltd, with an estimated project cost of £562,562. The procurement is classified under the utilities special regime, employing a direct award method due to its research nature specified under Schedule 5 of PA23. This contract is situated in London, with legal parameters defined by UKPGA 2023/54.

This tender offers significant business growth opportunities, especially for entities involved in research and development services in the energy sector. Businesses with expertise in hydrogen technologies, engineering concepts, and stakeholder engagement would be particularly suited to take part in such collaborations. SMEs specialising in innovative energy solutions, especially those focusing on rural energy supply challenges, could leverage this project to showcase their capabilities and expand their market presence. The partnership with UK Power Networks is an excellent growth avenue for companies aiming to make impactful contributions to modern energy solutions under the Ofgem's Strategic Innovation Fund framework.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Project Shared - Alpha Phase

Notice Description

UK Power Networks (Operations) Limited intends to enter into a collaboration with The First Element Group Limited and Frazer-Nash Consultancy Limited for the delivery of the Alpha Phase of Project SHARED, funded under Ofgem's Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF). The project aims to evaluate whether hydrogen-based resilience solutions can provide a cost-effective alternative to traditional reinforcement in rural areas where electricity supply interruptions are prevalent. The work involves identifying viable hydrogen technologies, developing engineering concepts, undertaking network simulations, assessing stakeholder needs, and producing evidence to support potential future demonstrations. Services will be delivered collaboratively by the three Project Partners, each responsible for specific work packages defined in the Project Plan. Work will be carried out through workshops, design activities, laboratory testing, engineering analysis, stakeholder engagement, and preparation of formal reports. Each partner will appoint a project manager and participate in monthly reporting, joint reviews, and progress meetings. The total estimated value of the Alpha Phase is PS562,562, comprising: - UK Power Networks (Operations) Limited: PS122,330 total costs - The First Element Group Limited: PS155,700 total costs - Frazer-Nash Consultancy Limited: PS284,532 total costs Ofgem SIF funding sought amounts to PS499,526, with the remaining PS63,036 provided as partner contributions in accordance with the funding rules.

Procurement Information

The following conditions under Schedule 5 of PA23 apply: Paragraph 2(C) - other research, experiment, study or development This phase involves a research study aimed at developing technology in collaboration with partners. It is not expected to generate monetary value.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-066206
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/019453-2026
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK5 - Transparency Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Direct
Procurement Method Details
Direct award
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Large, SME

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

73 - Research and development services and related consultancy services

CPV Codes

73000000 - Research and development services and related consultancy services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
£562,562 £500K-£1M
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
4 Mar 20261 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
4 Mar 20261 weeks ago
Contract Period
13 Mar 2026 - 13 Nov 2026 6-12 months
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Complete
Awards Status
Pending
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
UK POWER NETWORKS (OPERATIONS) 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
LONDON
Postcode
SE1 6NP
Post Town
South East London
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLI London
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLI4 Inner London - East
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLI44 Lewisham and Southwark
Delivery Location
Not specified
Local Authority
Southwark
Electoral Ward
St George's
Westminster Constituency
Bermondsey and Old Southwark

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
2
Supplier Names

FRAZER-NASH CONSULTANCY

THE FIRST ELEMENT GROUP

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

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