23/001 - Request for Expressions of Interest and Information for the Provision of Hydrogen Consultancy Services

In 2021, GNI were tasked by the Department of Environment Communications and Climate(DECC) to;

1. Test the technical feasibility of safely injecting green hydrogen blends in the gas grid
2. Assess the potential for energy system integration between electricity and gas networks including the production, storage and use of green hydrogen
3. Develop a policy/regulatory roadmap for green hydrogen use in the natural gas grid.

This Qualification System will cover hydrogen services required across GNI including Safety, Technical, Commercial, Regulatory, Economic, Strategy etc.

GNI are seeking to partake in numerous hydrogen projects related to the existing asset base and exploring new hydrogen investments which will be detailed by way of specific lots as part of this Qualification System.

The proposed duration of this Qualification System is eight years, commencing in Q2 2023 and ending Q1 2031.

The immediate requirement of this competition is the completion of a demonstration project and also a National Safety Case that demonstrates to the safety regulatory authorities that GNI can safely introduce hydrogen blends onto its existing national distribution networks.

This Qualification System will include hydrogen services such that the testing of material compatibility for steel and polyethylene pipework, valves, and other engineering component parts is carried out in advance of pilot and scale up hydrogen blend programmes.

The successful supplier(s) will proactively engage with GNI to identify gaps and address any areas identified that facilitate the introduction of hydrogen blends.

The supplier will also assess impacts on downstream end users and complete an interim report and safety cases. The supplier will be required to meet DECC, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) and other stakeholders as required by GNI.

In this regard, Gas Networks Ireland is seeking responses to this Request for Expressions of Interest and Information.

Stage 1 - Request for Expressions of Interest and Information This stage is the initial market sounding stage. Gas Networks Ireland are now inviting responses from interested parties who wish to have the opportunity to present solutions to Gas Networks Ireland for the provision of Hydrogen Consultancy Services

Stage 2 - Engagement Sessions Following a review of submissions, Gas Networks Ireland may invite individual selected respondents to attend sessions where Gas Networks Ireland will define further its requirement and further explore the respondent's submission. Additional information: GNI wishes to invite request for information for "23/001 - Request for Expressions of Interest and Information for the Provision of Hydrogen Consultancy Services." Completed RFI's should be returned via the etenders messaging facility with the tender reference & tender title in the subject line of the message not later than 12.00hrs (local time) on Tuesday 21st February 2023.