Provision of Cambridge City Centre District Heat Network

Second round of Engagement meetings are proposed to be held between 13 July and 14 August 2026. Following initial soft market testing in Q1 2026, we request that all interested parties put forward contact details for appropriate representatives who wish to be involved with a second round of Preliminary Market Engagement on the Contracting opportunity for Design, Build, Operation and Maintenance (DBOM) Services, inclusive of Metering and Billing. Establishing a new district heating network in a city of global significance is a momentous opportunity, and we wish to procure a DBOM partner who shares our vision and understanding of the associated opportunities. Contact details are to be provided to procurement@cambridge.gov.uk , and Engagement meetings are proposed to be held between 13 July and 14 August 2026. Supporting information will be provided upon registration, for consideration ahead of engagement meetings. The Council will be represented by Amberside Advisors, who together with Buro Happold and Sustainability Co have provided specialist consultancy services for the DPD Study. Formal procurement is anticipated to begin Q3 2026 and remains subject to successful funding award from the Green Heat Network Fund. Procurement is anticipated to include a two-stage appointment, firstly for Commercialization services through Early Contractor Involvement. Secondly, for DBOM services through the main contract, which is formalized by the end of 2027. Final Investment Decision is scheduled for summer 2028. A phased 5-year period for up to 48 bulk heat supply connections is anticipated, with Phase 1 (2030-2033) and Phase 2 (2035-2037). Phase 1.1 heat network operation is targeted for 2030. Since June 2023 Cambridge City Council has been working with consultants and academic partners to develop an Outline Business Case for a City Centre District Heating Network. Detailed Project Development has now been completed, proposing a low carbon network using a combination of air source and river source heat pumps, supported by a transition to electric boilers from transitional gas boilers to supplement peak heat demand. This work has been brought forward by a strategic partnership between Cambridge City Council (lead partner), 19 Academic institutions with significant heat demand in the city centre, and Cambridgeshire County Council. 20 Strategic Partners provide the customer base of the Minimum Viable Product heat network and following formal governance reviews, provided Letters of Support for the project's Green Heat Network Fund bid. The heat network will be delivered by a Joint Venture Partnership, with investment from Strategic Partners. This supports the partnership's long-term ambition to expand this heat network across the city, with evidence of the significant expansion opportunity provided by an informal Heat Zoning Review that was completed in early 2026. Further information is available: Cambridge City Council Cabinet Report, 24 March 2026