Ballycronanmore Synchronous Condenser Project

Procurement description

This is a Preliminary Market Engagement Notice (PMEN) issued under section 16 of the Procurement Act 2023. This Notice has been published through Mutual Energy Limited, however we reserve the right to change the Contracting Authority.

The Authority intends to undertake structured preliminary market engagement in respect of a proposed procurement for:

Ballycronanmore Synchronous Condenser Project

The purpose of this engagement is to:

• Inform procurement strategy and lotting structure

• Assess market capability and capacity

• Refine technical requirements

• Understand commercial and risk allocation models

• Assess programme deliverability

• Promote competition and innovation

This notice does not commence a procurement and does not constitute a call for competition.

The Authority is considering procuring one or more grid-connected synchronous condenser units to be located in Northern Ireland to provide:

• System inertia (MW·s)

• Short-circuit contribution

• Voltage support / reactive power capability

Indicative Technical Parameters (Subject to Change)

• Inertia target: Between 900MW.s and 4,000 MW·s (indicative)

• Grid connection voltage: 275kV

• Transformer rating: approx. 260 MVA (indicative)

The Authority is considering an EPC or EPC-wrap contracting model but seeks market feedback.

The scope of the project will be detailed and specified in the procurement documents includes all works necessary for the design, detailed design, engineering, procurement, manufacture, transportation; installation, construction, integration, testing, commissioning and provision of:

• a synchronous condenser and (if applicable) associated flywheel;

• overall system design;

• all auxiliaries required for the full operation of a synchronous condenser and flywheel;

• all balance of plant and equipment necessary for the operation of a synchronous condenser including step-up transformer/s, auxiliary transformer/s, switchgear;

• all civil works including civil designs and foundations;

• 275kV grid connection including high voltage cable system;

• performance and compliance testing;

• spares (both strategic and operational); and

• an option at the authorities discretion for long term maintenance services - duration to be specified.

Further details of the scope will be provided in the tender documents.

Main category

Works

Additional categories

Goods

Delivery regions

• UKN - Northern Ireland

Contract dates (estimated)

01 April 2027, 00:00AM to 31 March 2035, 23:59PM

Extension end date (if all the extensions are used): 01 April 2038

MUTUAL ENERGY LIMITED

Is this procurement under a special regime?

Utilities

Is the total value above threshold?

Above threshold

CPV classifications

• 31100000 - Electric motors, generators and transformers
• 45251100 - Construction work for power plant
• 45315300 - Electricity supply installations

Delivery regions

• UKN - Northern Ireland

Contract start date (estimated)

01 April 2027, 00:00AM

Contract end date (estimated)

31 March 2035, 23:59PM

Extension end date (estimated)

01 April 2038, 00:59AM

Can the contract be extended?

Yes

Engagement process description

The Mutual Energy Group ("Mutual") is undertaking preliminary engagement with a number of organisations that are known to operate within the relevant synchronous condenser market, including manufacturers and EPC contractors. This engagement has been conducted to inform our understanding of the market and potential delivery models before beginning the formal tendering process and it has been carried out predominantly through a combination of online and face to face meetings.

Mutual recognises that other organisations may also have relevant capability and experience. Any supplier that has not yet engaged with us in relation to the synchronous condenser project, but considers itself capable of delivering the proposed requirement is invited to contact Mutual Energy by sending an email to procurement@mutual-energy.com for details of the next steps.

Mutual is committed to ensuring that all relevant information arising from preliminary market engagement is shared transparently in any subsequent procurement process, in accordance with the Procurement Act 2023.

Participation (or non-participation) in preliminary market engagement will not confer any advantage or disadvantage in any future procurement.

In-Tend registration:

Suppliers should register on the following portal which is where the tender will be published and responded to. The registration process is relatively simple and requires prospective suppliers to add details around their company, including registration information and contact details. There is a guide available for the process on the 'Supplier Guidance' tab of the portal, but any questions please reach out to procurement@mutual-energy.com

In-tend portal address: https://in-tendhost.co.uk/mutual-energy/aspx/Registration

Participation is voluntary and at the supplier's own cost.

The Authority will conduct engagement in accordance with the Procurement Act 2023 and will:

• Ensure no supplier gains an unfair advantage

• Share material clarifications where appropriate

• Maintain a transparent audit trail

Participation in market engagement will not prejudice future participation in any subsequent procurement.

The Authority reserves the right to:

• Not proceed with the procurement

• Change scope or procurement model

• Divide the contract into lots

• Use a Competitive Flexible Procedure

Nothing in this notice constitutes a commitment to procure.

Due date

31 March 2026, 23:59PM

Has the engagement period already ended?

No