---
title: "Project Shared - Alpha Phase"
ocid: "ocds-h6vhtk-066206"
canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-066206"
markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-066206.md"
json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-066206.json"
source: "Find A Tender Service"
current_stage: "Award"
buyer: "UK POWER NETWORKS (OPERATIONS) LIMITED"
published: "2026-03-16"
---

# Project Shared - Alpha Phase

Buyer: UK POWER NETWORKS (OPERATIONS) LIMITED  
Current stage: Award  
OCID: ocds-h6vhtk-066206

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## Summary

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.

## Notice

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.

## Key Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication source | Find A Tender Service |
| Latest notice | https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/023733-2026 |
| 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 |
| All stages | Award |

## Dates

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication date | 16 Mar 2026 |
| Submission deadline | Not specified |
| Future notice date | Not specified |
| Award date | 2 Mar 2026 |
| Contract period | 27 Mar 2026 - 27 Dec 2026 |
| Recurrence | Not specified |

## Values

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender value | Not specified |
| Lots value | Not specified |
| Awards value | £562,562 |
| Contracts value | Not specified |

## Status

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender status | Complete |
| Lots status | Complete |
| Awards status | Pending |
| Contracts status | Not specified |

## Buyer

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Main buyer | UK POWER NETWORKS (OPERATIONS) LIMITED |
| Locality | LONDON |
| Post town | South East London |
| Postcode | SE1 6NP |
| Country | England |
| ITL 1 | TLI London |
| ITL 2 | TLI4 Inner London - East |
| ITL 3 | TLI44 Lewisham and Southwark |
| Local authority | Southwark |
| Electoral ward | St George's |
| Westminster constituency | Bermondsey and Old Southwark |
| Delivery location | Not specified |

## Supplier

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Number of suppliers | 2 |
| Supplier names | FRAZER-NASH CONSULTANCY; THE FIRST ELEMENT GROUP |

## CPV Codes

### Divisions

- 73 - Research and development services and related consultancy services

### Codes

- 73000000 - Research and development services and related consultancy services

## Release History

- 16 Mar 2026 at 16:53 - Award - UK6 - Contract Award Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/023733-2026
- 4 Mar 2026 at 13:23 - Award - UK5 - Transparency Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/019453-2026

## Documents

- https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/023733-2026
  16th March 2026 - Contract award notice on Find a Tender
- https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/019453-2026
  4th March 2026 - Transparency notice on Find a Tender

## Notice URLs

- http://www.fnc.co.uk
- https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents
- https://www.thefirstelement.com

## Provenance

This Markdown file is an alternate public rendering of the D3 Tenders contract record. The canonical page is https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-066206. The underlying structured data is available as OCDS JSON at https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-066206.json.