--- title: "Supplier funded renewables for Traction (DC DPPA framework)" ocid: "ocds-h6vhtk-06a2c1" canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-06a2c1" markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-06a2c1.md" json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-06a2c1.json" source: "Find A Tender Service" current_stage: "Planning" buyer: "NETWORK RAIL INFRASTRUCTURE LIMITED" published: "2026-06-05" --- # Supplier funded renewables for Traction (DC DPPA framework) Buyer: NETWORK RAIL INFRASTRUCTURE LIMITED Current stage: Planning OCID: ocds-h6vhtk-06a2c1 [View canonical contract page](https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-06a2c1) [Download OCDS JSON](https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-06a2c1.json) ## Summary Network Rail Infrastructure Limited is undertaking a procurement process under the title "Supplier funded renewables for Traction (DC DPPA framework)" focused on transitioning its electricity supply towards renewable sources. The procurement, currently at the planning stage, concerns integration opportunities of renewable energy for the Southern Region's 750 V DC third rail network. Located in London, Network Rail is a central government public authority classified in the electricity and energy industry category. Key upcoming dates include the expression of interest deadline set for 3rd July 2026, with supplier engagement scheduled to start in the week commencing 6th July 2026. The procurement launch is anticipated in August 2026 with the procurement method involving a Direct Power Purchase Agreement (DPPA) under a supplier-funded framework. This tender presents significant opportunities for businesses involved in renewable energy generation and those with expertise in high-voltage integration and private wire connections. Companies that can provide solar, wind, storage, or hybrid solutions, along with those capable of executing Power Purchase Agreements and operating within railway constraints, are well-suited to compete. The project involves a substantial financial commitment, with an estimated contract value of £125 million, providing a ground for businesses to not only contribute to achieving Net Zero targets but also expand their presence in the energy sector. Successful implementation of the pilot phase could potentially lead to further opportunities to roll out across the wider network, enhancing business growth and development across up to 40GWh per annum. ## Notice Background Network Rail owns, operates and maintains Great Britain's railway infrastructure, including track, signalling, electrification systems, bridges and stations. As one of the largest electricity consumers in the UK, Network Rail uses approximately 4.5 TWh per annum (c.4.1 TWh traction and 0.45 TWh non-traction). In support of the UK Government's Net Zero by 2050 commitment, Network Rail is seeking to transition its electricity supply towards renewable sources. Scope of Opportunity Network Rail's electrified network includes: * 25 kV AC overhead line systems * 750 V DC third rail systems (Southern Region and Merseyrail) This procurement relates exclusively to the 750 V DC third rail network. The Southern Region DC traction power system comprises: * ~40 grid connection points supplied by Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) * A 33 kV (predominantly) three-phase distribution network, with limited 11 kV sections * Around 300 substations with transformer rectifier units converting AC to 750 V DC * A highly variable load profile driven by train operations * Network control via SCADA systems from electrical control rooms Opportunity Description Network Rail is exploring opportunities to integrate renewable energy generation "behind the meter", directly connected to its 33 kV distribution network to supplement existing DNO supplies. An export limitation scheme will be implemented to prevent excess energy being exported to the grid. The intent is to procure energy through a Direct Power Purchase Agreement (DPPA) under a supplier-funded model. Supplier Requirements Network Rail is seeking expressions of interest from organisations that can demonstrate: * Proven capability in renewable generation development covering various technologies (e.g. solar, wind, storage, or hybrid solutions) * Experience with private wire / behind-the-meter connections and Power Purchase Agreements * Strong technical expertise in high-voltage integration (33 kV or similar) * Sufficient financial capacity to deliver a pilot scheme and support potential wider rollout * Ability to work within operational railway constraints Programme * Pilot project to be developed as an initial phase * Subject to success, potential rollout across the wider DC traction network of up to 40GWh p.a * Procurement launch anticipated: August 2026 * This will be a single supplier Framework. Next Steps Interested parties should submit an expression of interest via email to: nikki.hunter@networkrail.co.uk ### Planning Information Suppliers should express an interest to Nikki.hunter@networkrail.co.uk by 03/07/2026. Supplier engagement on contract conditions and scope will take place w/c 06/07/2026 via correspondance. ## Key Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Publication source | Find A Tender Service | | Latest notice | https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/053133-2026 | | Notice type | UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice | | Procurement type | Framework | | Procurement category | Goods | | Procurement method | Not Specified | | Procurement method details | Not specified | | Tender suitability | Not specified | | Awardee scale | Not specified | | All stages | Planning | ## Dates | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Publication date | 5 Jun 2026 | | Submission deadline | Not specified | | Future notice date | 10 Aug 2026 | | Award date | Not specified | | Contract period | 30 Jun 2027 - 30 Jun 2035 | | Recurrence | Not specified | ## Values | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Tender value | £125,000,000 | | Lots value | Not specified | | Awards value | Not specified | | Contracts value | Not specified | ## Status | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Tender status | Planning | | Lots status | Planning | | Awards status | Not specified | | Contracts status | Not specified | ## Buyer | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Main buyer | NETWORK RAIL INFRASTRUCTURE LIMITED | | Locality | LONDON | | Post town | South East London | | Postcode | SE1 8SW | | Country | England | | ITL 1 | TLI London | | ITL 2 | TLI4 Inner London - East | | ITL 3 | TLI45 Lambeth | | Local authority | Lambeth | | Electoral ward | Waterloo & South Bank | | Westminster constituency | Vauxhall and Camberwell Green | | Delivery location | Not specified | ## CPV Codes ### Divisions - 09 - Petroleum products, fuel, electricity and other sources of energy ### Codes - 09300000 - Electricity, heating, solar and nuclear energy ## Release History - 5 Jun 2026 at 08:29 - PlanningUpdate - UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/053133-2026 - 26 May 2026 at 09:01 - Planning - UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/048461-2026 ## Documents - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/053133-2026 5th June 2026 - Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/048461-2026 26th May 2026 - Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender ## Notice URLs - https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents - https://www.networkrail.co.uk/ ## 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-06a2c1. The underlying structured data is available as OCDS JSON at https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-06a2c1.json.