Prior information notice
This notice is for prior information only
Section I: Contracting
authority
I.1) Name and addresses
The Highland Council
Glenurquhart Road
Inverness
IV3 5NX
UK
Contact person: Amy MacCulloch
Telephone: +44 1467530600
E-mail: amy.macculloch5@highland.gov.uk
NUTS: UKM6
Internet address(es)
Main address: http://www.highland.gov.uk
Address of the buyer profile: https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/Search_AuthProfile.aspx?ID=AA00045
I.2) Joint procurement
The contract is awarded by a central purchasing body
I.3) Communication
Additional information can be obtained from the abovementioned address
I.4) Type of the contracting authority
Regional or local authority
I.5) Main activity
General public services
Section II: Object
II.1) Scope of the procurement
II.1.1) Title
PIN Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) – Torvean Quarry, Inverness
II.1.2) Main CPV code
09300000
II.1.3) Type of contract
Supplies
II.1.4) Short description
The Highland Council has identified a site for the development of a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). The Highland Council has accepted a grid connection offer and intends to tender for a developer to design, build and operate the facility.
II.1.6) Information about lots
This contract is divided into lots:
No
II.2) Description
II.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
65400000
71314000
II.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS code:
UKM6
II.2.4) Description of the procurement
The Highland Council has identified the former Torvean Quarry (Inverness) for development of a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), which would support distribution network operations via connection to an existing (collocated) overhead 33kV line.
The Highland Council has accepted a grid connection offer provided by the Distribution Network Operator (Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution PLC), for a 9,900 kVA import / 9,900 kW export connection, with an estimated connection date of 31 October 2027 (note that this date is subject to change).
The Highland Council intends to tender (via open competition) for a developer to design, build and operate a BESS at the former Torvean Quarry. It is envisaged that the Highland Council would assign the accepted grid connection offer to the contracted party, and that the contracted party would undertake all required contestable distribution network works, in addition to the BESS build. The Highland Council would receive a standing lease payment for occupation of the site, plus an agreed revenue share, throughout the term of the lease (20-40 years). An Option to Lease fee would also be payable, from contract award, until the lease period begins.
The purpose of this Prior Information Notice (PIN) is to communicate the Highland Council’s intention to contract with a developer. The developer should have suitable experience and resources available to meet the full demands of the tender.
II.3) Estimated date of publication of contract notice:
12/06/2025
Section IV: Procedure
IV.1) Description
IV.1.8) Information about Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
The procurement is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement:
Yes
Section VI: Complementary information
VI.3) Additional information
NOTE: To register your interest in this notice and obtain any additional information please visit the Public Contracts Scotland Web Site at https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/Search/Search_Switch.aspx?ID=799637.
(SC Ref:799637)
VI.5) Date of dispatch of this notice
26/05/2025