Award

Project Shared - Alpha Phase

UK POWER NETWORKS (OPERATIONS) LIMITED

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Award

16 Mar 2026 at 16:53

UK6 - Contract Award Notice
Award

04 Mar 2026 at 13:23

UK5 - Transparency Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The procurement process for "Project Shared - Alpha Phase" involves UK Power Networks (Operations) Limited, the buying organisation based in London, alongside two suppliers: The First Element Group Ltd and Frazer-Nash Consultancy Limited. This project, classified under the industry category of research and development services, aims to explore hydrogen-based solutions to enhance resilience in rural areas. The project is funded by Ofgem's Strategic Innovation Fund and involves collaboration aimed at technology development. The procurement stage is complete, with the award date set for 2nd March 2026 and the contract period expected to run from 27th March 2026 to 27th December 2026. The procurement method was a direct award due to the prototypical and developmental nature of the work under Schedule 5 of PA23.

Participation in this tender presents significant business growth opportunities, primarily for companies involved in research, engineering, and development services, particularly those focusing on innovative energy solutions. Large enterprises like Frazer-Nash Consultancy Limited, as well as small and medium enterprises (SMEs) like The First Element Group Ltd, are well-positioned to compete and deliver in such collaborative and development-driven projects. Companies engaging with utility sector innovations stand to benefit from the lessons and partnerships gained through this engagement, potentially paving the way for further opportunities in the expanding field of sustainable energy solutions.

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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

Prototypes and development 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/023733-2026
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK6 - Contract Award 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
16 Mar 20261 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
2 Mar 20262 months ago
Contract Period
27 Mar 2026 - 27 Dec 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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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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