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Isambard AI - Purchase Power Agreement

UNIVERSITY OF BRISTOL

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

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06 Aug 2026 at 10:27

UK5 - Transparency Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The University of Bristol procured services for the Isambard AI facility’s planned electricity supply from a wind turbine. The requirement covered a wind turbine connection feasibility study, enabling the University to enter a power purchase agreement for electricity to power the facility. Bristol Energy Network is the selected supplier for this work. Delivery is associated with the University’s Bristol operations and the proposed turbines. The procurement is primarily an energy-related service, including electricity supply arrangements and technical feasibility work. It may suit energy consultancies, renewable energy specialists, organisations experienced in grid or turbine connections, and providers able to assess whether renewable generation can support a large research and computing facility.

The procurement is complete and was awarded through a direct award. The University of Bristol selected Bristol Energy Network for the single lot, which was marked as suitable for SMEs. The stated reason for using a direct award was a unique set of technical circumstances allowing connection to the proposed turbines. The award date was 6 August 2026, with a contract period from 6 August 2026 to 5 February 2027. The award value is £200,814 excluding VAT, or £241,029 including VAT. The award is recorded as pending, with signature scheduled for 6 August 2026. Evaluation was therefore based on the direct-award rationale rather than a competitive tender process.

This procurement demonstrates demand from the University of Bristol for specialist support linking renewable generation to a major research and artificial-intelligence facility. A credible competitor for a future requirement of this type would need practical expertise in wind turbine connection feasibility, electricity supply arrangements and power purchase agreements. It would also need to understand the technical, commercial and regulatory issues involved in connecting proposed generation and assessing whether it can reliably serve a substantial electricity load. The opportunity was suitable for SMEs, indicating that specialist smaller organisations can be relevant where they have the required technical capability. Evidence of comparable feasibility studies, renewable-energy connections and work with universities or energy-intensive facilities would strengthen a supplier’s position.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Isambard AI - Purchase Power Agreement

Notice Description

Isambard AI - Purchase Power Agreement (PPA) - Wind Turbine Connection Feasibility Study, that would allow the University to sign up to a PPA to receive electricity from a Wind Turbine to power the Isambard AI Facility. In order for the Wind Turbine Project to proceed, Bristol Energy Networks CIC (BEN) are required to carry out a Feasibility Study.

Procurement Information

For technical reasons, there is a unique set of circumstances that allow the University to connect to the proposed turbines.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06dd4a
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/074541-2026
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
SME
Awardee Scale
SME

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

31 - Electrical machinery, apparatus, equipment and consumables; lighting

71 - Architectural, construction, engineering and inspection services

CPV Codes

31682000 - Electricity supplies

71314000 - Energy and related services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
£200,814 £100K-£500K
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
6 Aug 20262 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
6 Aug 20262 weeks ago
Contract Period
6 Aug 2026 - 5 Feb 2027 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
UNIVERSITY OF BRISTOL
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
BRISTOL
Postcode
BS8 1QU
Postcode Area
Bristol
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLK South West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLK5 West of England
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLK51 Bristol, City of
Delivery Location
Not specified
Local Authority
Bristol, City of
Electoral Ward
Central
Westminster Constituency
Bristol Central

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

Bristol Energy Network

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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