This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Tender

08 Jul 2026 at 10:06

Summary of the contracting process

UK Fusion Energy Ltd is initiating a procurement process for a "Crane Concept Design Study," aimed at supporting the STEP Prototype Powerplant (SPP) programme. The project, primarily located at Culham Science Centre in Abingdon, seeks to advance fusion energy capabilities in the UK by 2040, with West Burton Power Station announced as the site for STEP. This open procurement process, categorised under "services" and "lifting and handling equipment," requires submissions through the UKFE Delta procurement portal before the deadline on 28th July 2026. It is currently in the Tender stage, following successful prior market engagement indicating substantial industry interest.

With an estimated contract value of £84,000, this tender presents significant business growth opportunities for firms specialising in lifting, handling, and crane design services. The procurement method encourages competition, ideal for SMEs and voluntary, community, and social enterprises (VCSEs), with a strong emphasis on technical quality over price. The contract period is set to begin on 19th August 2026, with potential for a two-month extension, making it a lucrative opportunity for companies ready to contribute to the cutting-edge field of energy production through fusion technology.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

Crane Concept Design Study

Notice Description

UKFE is inviting bids from the market so it can appoint a suitably qualified supplier to deliver a Crane Concept Design Study, in support of the SPP. The STEP Prototype Powerplant (SPP) is a programme of work to build, commission and demonstrate fusion power in the UK. The key goal of the project is to operate a powerplant that places net power on the UK grid from fusion energy in the 2040's. West Burton Power Station, Retford, was announced as the home for STEP (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production) in October 2022. Staff also work at Culham Science Centre in Abingdon. Further details on the technical specification are provided in the tender pack, on the UKFE Delta procurement portal. This contract follows earlier market engagement which demonstrated sufficient capability and interest in the market for a tender exercise to be run. For more information about this opportunity, please visit the eSourcing portal at: https://ukfe.delta-esourcing.com/tenders/UK-UK-Abingdon:-Lifting-and-handling-equipment./W5S3379557 To respond to this opportunity, please click here: https://ukfe.delta-esourcing.com/respond/W5S3379557

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06c60e
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/064055-2026
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK4 - Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Below threshold - open competition
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

42 - Industrial machinery

73 - Research and development services and related consultancy services


CPV Codes

42410000 - Lifting and handling equipment

42414100 - Cranes

42414200 - Overhead travelling cranes

42414500 - Bridge cranes

42418000 - Lifting, handling, loading or unloading machinery

73110000 - Research services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£70,000 Under £100K
Lots Value
£70,000 Under £100K
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
8 Jul 20261 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
28 Jul 20262 weeks to go
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
18 Aug 2026 - 18 Dec 2026 1-6 months
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
UK FUSION ENERGY LTD
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
ABINGDON
Postcode
OX14 3DB
Post Town
Oxford
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLJ South East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLJ1 Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLJ14 Oxfordshire CC
Delivery Location
Not specified

Local Authority
South Oxfordshire
Electoral Ward
Sandford & the Wittenhams
Westminster Constituency
Didcot and Wantage

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

JSON Markdown

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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