Technical Preparedness Study - Hydrogen Blends in the Northern Ireland Gas Distribution Networks

Concepts

• antrim
• research services
• ni gas networks
• hydrogen blends
• injected hydrogen
• hydrogen
• firmus energy networks
• network modification
• renewable gas
• sgn evolve network limited

Location

Northern Ireland:

Geochart for 1 buyers and 0 suppliers

Firmus Energy Distribution

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Description

The Northern Ireland Gas Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) (i.e. firmus energy (Distribution) Limited (firmus energy networks), Phoenix Energy Group Limited and SGN Evolve Network Limited), along with Transmission System Operators - Mutual Energy and Gas Networks Ireland (UK) - have established a pathway to decarbonise the NI Gas Network by 2050. To support this pathway, we have developed an extensive programme of research projects to support our preparations to accommodate large volumes of renewable gas. The objective of this project is to establish the readiness of NI's gas distribution networks to accept hydrogen and natural gas blends including assessment of pressure reduction stations, primary meter installations and the impacts on larger end user downstream systems. The project will aim at the outset, to maximise the draw down of relevant evidence and data from publicly available hydrogen related trials, testing and research work and other industry sources thus enabling focus to be placed on identifying and addressing gaps in data, equipment performance verification and materials testing that are specific to the NI gas distribution networks. The NI DNOs are therefore seeking a qualified and suitably experienced consultant to establish the technical and safety readiness of the NI distribution networks and end user downstream systems to accept hydrogen. Whilst the immediate priority is to identify the limits of existing gas infrastructure and end user downstream systems for hydrogen blends of up to 20% by volume, this project work shall not preclude consideration of 100% hydrogen where this can be practically, and cost effectively covered in assessments and investigative works. The final outcome of this project is expected to be a detailed and comprehensive report on the current hydrogen ready status of NI gas networks and metering assets that identifies and quantifies safety risks and mitigations, with a prioritised and cost estimated roadmap outlining the requirements for network modification or replacement, recommended areas of further testing/research work and associated expenditure, as necessary, to safely facilitate injected hydrogen.

Total Quantity or Scope

This tender process is being led by firmus energy networks, using the open procedure in accordance with Utilities Contracts Regulations 2016 (as amended), for the benefit of itself, Phoenix Energy Group Limited and SGN Evolve Network Limited (the NI DNOs). firmus energy networks is seeking to enter into a Contract with a Service Provider to conduct a technical preparedness study for the benefit of the NI DNOs.

CPV Codes

• 73110000 - Research services

Indicators

• This is a one-off contract (no recurrence)
• Renewals are not available.
• Professional qualifications are sought.

Other Information

** PREVIEW NOTICE, please check Find a Tender for full details. ** Tenderers that wish to participate in this procurement are required to provide their contact details to procurement@firmusenergynetworks.co.uk on downloading the procurement documents from the website at Section I.3 above. Tenderers who fail to provide their details or register in this manner will not receive any clarifications or updated information provided by firmus energy networks during the procurement process. Once your details have been received, firmus energy networks will provide the password for the procurement documents. Tenderers should note that the contract start date provided at Section II.2.7 above is an estimate only. The duration of the contract will run for the period of the research study. The costs of responding to this notice and participation in the process will be borne by each Tenderer. All discussions and correspondence will be deemed strictly subject to contract until a formal contract is entered into. The formal contract shall not be binding until it has been signed and dated by the duly authorised representatives of the relevant parties.