Hydropower Scheme - Radyr Weir

Descriptions

PRIOR INFORMATION NOTICE (PIN) FOR RADYR WEIR HYDROPOWER PROJECTCardiff County Council (‘the Council’) has made an ambitious commitment to reduce the authority's carbon emissions by 60% from non domestic buildings and waste by 2018. In an effort to meet these targets the Council, working in partnership with Carbon Trust in Wales (CTW), commissioned a feasibility study to explore the opportunity for low-head hydro generation facility at Radyr Weir, which is situated adjacent to Radyr Primary School, Radyr, Cardiff, CF15 8DF.The study identified that the site has potential for a hydro scheme on the east side of the weir on land owned by the Council. Proposals have been circulated to a variety of stakeholders (the local Community Council, Local Angling Clubs, Countryside Council for Wales, Natural Resources Wales, local community groups and Canoe Wales) to determine whether there were any perceived environmental or other barriers to the project and to obtain feedback on the proposal. The proposal has received positive feedback and has the backing of the Council. In preparing the outline design action has been taken to mitigate the potential risks identified and to offset negative consequences of the development.The proposed scheme will consist of 2 x Archimedean Screws (each 3.5m in diameter) with a total installed capacity of 391kW, to be constructed/installed on the east side of the weir. Incorporated into the scheme will be an improved fish pass.The Council intends to carry out a procurement exercise for the proposed Radyr Weir Hydropower Scheme (‘the Project’) and the purposes of this notice are to; alert the market place to this potential opportunity, stimulate market interest and to seek the markets views’ on the matters listed below. Interested parties are advised that no formal decision has been made at this point to commence the proposed procurement and or how the procurement will be structured.The Council is seeking expressions of interest from suitably experienced organisations interested in working with the Council in delivering this Project. The Council would also be happy to receive expressions of interests from suitably experienced organisations who may wish to collaborate and submit 'consortium' bids. The Council invites the market place to inform the Authority’s procurement process and to this end would welcome written submissions (not exceeding 4 sides of A4 paper) from suitably experienced organisations, indicating:1. Their likely interest in bidding for the Project;2. The potential technical and commercial options for meeting the above requirements and to deliver the Project. In particular, whether the proposed project should be let as one contract dealing with all aspects (detailed design, provision of goods required and installation/construction) or divided into two or more contracts. For example, one contract for the provision of the required 2 x Archimedean Screws (each 3.5m in diameter) with a total installed capacity of 391kW and a second contract for the installation of the Archimedean Screws/construction of the Hydro generation facility. Also, suggestions as to the form of contract to be used, for example NEC3, JCT, IMechE. Further, whether best value is served if the project also provides for the future operation and or maintenance of the hydro generation facility.3. An indicative programme of works/timeline for the completion of the Project, and4. Any other factors considered relevant or suggestions on how your organisation could add value to this Project.No general marketing material should be providedFollowing consideration of the written submissions the Council may wish to engage in further discussions with the respondents. Dependent on the level of such initial interest the Council may host a Provider Information Day, with all those who respond to this notice being invited to attend.The Council invites interested prospective contractors to lodge an initial expression of interest in this opportunity by submitting their details electronically to Gareth.berry@cardiff.gov.uk before 12:00 noon on Friday 9th August 2013. Written submissions should also to be sent to Gareth.Berry@cardiff.gov.uk by Friday 9th August 2013.Details as to the permissions obtained in respect of this Project can be found at http://planning.cardiff.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=consulteeComments&keyVal=_CARDIFF_DCAPR_98668Please note, the Council intends to use the information gathered to shape the proposed procurement process, including the proposed contract structure and specification for this project. Accordingly, commercially confidential information should not be provided and the Council reserves the right in its absolute discretion to use (or not use) the information provided, or any part thereof to shape any future procurement process undertaken. Information provided may be made public. Participating in this market sounding exercise will not guarantee short-listing at a later stage in the procurement, and the Council reserves the right not to proceed with the procurement process. The Council will not meet any costs incurred by any party in responding to this notice or in attending any Provider information day that may be held.NOTE: To register your interest in this notice and obtain any additional information please visit the Sell2Wales Web Site at http://www.sell2wales.gov.uk/Search/Search_Switch.aspx?ID=321.