← Back to search results

planningFind a Tender · planning Update

Supplier funded renewables for Traction (DC DPPA framework)

Buyer: NETWORK RAIL INFRASTRUCTURE LIMITED →

BuyerNETWORK RAIL INFRASTRUCTURE LIMITED
Statusplanning
DeadlineNot published
Value£125,000,000
Published5 Jun 2026

What is being bought

Background Network Rail owns, operates and maintains Great Britain’s railway infrastructure, including track, signalling, electrification systems, bridges and stations. As one of the largest electricity consumers in the UK, Network Rail uses approximately 4.5 TWh per annum (c.4.1 TWh traction and 0.45 TWh non-traction). In support of the UK Government’s Net Zero by 2050 commitment, Network Rail is seeking to transition its electricity supply towards renewable sources. Scope of Opportunity Network Rail’s electrified network includes: • 25 kV AC overhead line systems • 750 V DC third rail systems (Southern Region and Merseyrail) This procurement relates exclusively to the 750 V DC third rail network. The Southern Region DC traction power system comprises: • ~40 grid connection points supplied by Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) • A 33 kV (predominantly) three-phase distribution network, with limited 11 kV sections • Around 300 substations with transformer rectifier units converting AC to 750 V DC • A highly variable load profile driven by train operations • Network control via SCADA systems from electrical control rooms Opportunity Description Network Rail is exploring opportunities to integrate renewable energy generation “behind the meter”, directly connected to its 33 kV distribution network to supplement existing DNO supplies. An export limitation scheme will be implemented to prevent excess energy being exported to the grid. The intent is to procure energy through a Direct Power Purchase Agreement (DPPA) under a supplier-funded model. Supplier Requirements Network Rail is seeking expressions of interest from organisations that can demonstrate: • Proven capability in renewable generation development covering various technologies (e.g. solar, wind, storage, or hybrid solutions) • Experience with private wire / behind-the-meter connections and Power Purchase Agreements • Strong technical expertise in high-voltage integration (33 kV or similar) • Sufficient financial capacity to deliver a pilot scheme and support potential wider rollout • Ability to work within operational railway constraints Programme • Pilot project to be developed as an initial phase • Subject to success, potential rollout across the wider DC traction network of up to 40GWh p.a • Procurement launch anticipated: August 2026 • This will be a single supplier Framework. Next Steps Interested parties should submit an expression of interest via email to: nikki.hunter@networkrail.co.uk

Delivery location

UK, GB

Categories

Electricity, heating, solar and nuclear energy 09300000

Lot details

Lot 1

No lot description published.

Statusplanning
Contract periodFrom 1 Jul 2027 to 30 Jun 2035

What is included

ItemCategoryQuantity
1Electricity, heating, solar and nuclear energyNot published

Comparable-procurement analytics

Benchmarked against retained Find a Tender procedures with CPV division 09. The category anchor is Electricity, heating, solar and nuclear energy (09300000); this is a deliberately broad market comparator. The comparison is shown at several levels rather than pretending one company or region is always the best benchmark.

Comparison setProceduresReported bids per procedureNamed award suppliersPrice evidence
Market: CPV division 098423 median · 34.1 average (263 of 842 with a bid count)4.9 average (301 of 842 with named award suppliers)Not published
Same buyer1Not publishedNot publishedNot published
Delivery region: UK2123.5 median · 102.8 average (58 of 212 with a bid count)9.3 average (69 of 212 with named award suppliers)Not published
Similar published value (0.5×–2×)34Not publishedNot publishedNot published

“Reported bids” is an official aggregate, sometimes reported per lot; it is the closest available competition measure. “Named award suppliers” are winners, not all applicants.

Price-outcome signal

Not enough comparable procedures currently publish both a GBP tender value and a usable lowest-valid-bid value to calculate a responsible price-reduction benchmark. Tenderline deliberately does not infer a saving from named award suppliers or from missing award values.

Procurement strategy & market signals

Framework agreementYes
Dynamic purchasing systemNot published
Competitive procurementNot published
Recurring requirementNot published
Procurement method rationaleNot published
Rationale classificationsNot published
Special regimeutilities
Covered byNot published
Submission policyNot published
Selection criteriaNot published
Risk detailsNot published

Planning & early market engagement

BudgetValue not published
No-engagement rationaleNot published
Planning documents1
Planning milestones1
MilestoneTypeDueStatus
Suppliers should express an interest to Nikki.hunter@networkrail.co.uk by 03/07/2026. Supplier engagement on contract conditions and scope will take place w/c 06/07/2026 via correspondance.engagement3 Jul 2026scheduled

Related procurements

No linked framework, prior procurement or reprocurement published.

Documents & submission route

Source data inventory

Diagnostic view. “Not published” means this current release does not provide a value.

OCIDocds-h6vhtk-06a2c1
Latest release ID053133-2026
Latest release timestampFri Jun 05 2026 08:29:42 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
Sourcefind-a-tender
Official notice URLNot published
Tender statusplanning
Procurement methodNot published
Procurement method detailsNot published
Main procurement categorygoods
Above thresholdYes
Legal basis2023/54
Tender period: startNot published
Tender period: endNot published
Expression of interest deadlineNot published
Enquiry deadlineNot published
Award period: startNot published
Award period: endNot published
Submission method detailsNot published
Submission languagesNot published
Electronic catalogue policyNot published
Total tender value£125,000,000
Tender lots in source1
Tender items in source1
Tender documents in source0
Awards in latest release0
Contracts in latest release0
Parties in latest release1

Notice history

DateEventReference
5 Jun 2026planningUpdate053133-2026
26 May 2026planning048461-2026

All source data

Unmodified official OCDS data retained by Tenderline for this procurement process.

Complete current OCDS release JSON
{
  "id": "053133-2026",
  "tag": [
    "planningUpdate"
  ],
  "date": "2026-06-05T09:29:42+01:00",
  "ocid": "ocds-h6vhtk-06a2c1",
  "buyer": {
    "id": "GB-PPON-PNZN-9524-VCQJ",
    "name": "NETWORK RAIL INFRASTRUCTURE LIMITED"
  },
  "tender": {
    "id": "ocds-h6vhtk-06a2c1",
    "lots": [
      {
        "id": "1",
        "status": "planning",
        "description": null,
        "contractPeriod": {
          "endDate": "2035-06-30T23:59:59+01:00",
          "startDate": "2027-07-01T00:00:00+01:00"
        }
      }
    ],
    "items": [
      {
        "id": "1",
        "relatedLot": "1",
        "deliveryAddresses": [
          {
            "region": "UK",
            "country": "GB",
            "countryName": "United Kingdom"
          }
        ],
        "additionalClassifications": [
          {
            "id": "09300000",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Electricity, heating, solar and nuclear energy"
          }
        ]
      }
    ],
    "title": "Supplier funded renewables for Traction (DC DPPA framework)",
    "value": {
      "amount": 125000000,
      "currency": "GBP",
      "amountGross": 150000000
    },
    "status": "planning",
    "legalBasis": {
      "id": "2023/54",
      "uri": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents",
      "scheme": "UKPGA"
    },
    "techniques": {
      "hasFrameworkAgreement": true
    },
    "description": "Background\nNetwork Rail owns, operates and maintains Great Britain’s railway infrastructure, including track, signalling, electrification systems, bridges and stations. As one of the largest electricity consumers in the UK, Network Rail uses approximately 4.5 TWh per annum (c.4.1 TWh traction and 0.45 TWh non-traction).\nIn support of the UK Government’s Net Zero by 2050 commitment, Network Rail is seeking to transition its electricity supply towards renewable sources.\nScope of Opportunity\nNetwork Rail’s electrified network includes:\n•\t25 kV AC overhead line systems\n•\t750 V DC third rail systems (Southern Region and Merseyrail)\nThis procurement relates exclusively to the 750 V DC third rail network. \nThe Southern Region DC traction power system comprises:\n•\t~40 grid connection points supplied by Distribution Network Operators (DNOs)\n•\tA 33 kV (predominantly) three-phase distribution network, with limited 11 kV sections\n•\tAround 300 substations with transformer rectifier units converting AC to 750 V DC\n•\tA highly variable load profile driven by train operations\n•\tNetwork control via SCADA systems from electrical control rooms\nOpportunity Description\nNetwork Rail is exploring opportunities to integrate renewable energy generation “behind the meter”, directly connected to its 33 kV distribution network to supplement existing DNO supplies.  An export limitation scheme will be implemented to prevent excess energy being exported to the grid.\nThe intent is to procure energy through a Direct Power Purchase Agreement (DPPA) under a supplier-funded model. \nSupplier Requirements\nNetwork Rail is seeking expressions of interest from organisations that can demonstrate:\n•\tProven capability in renewable generation development covering various technologies (e.g. solar, wind, storage, or hybrid solutions)\n•\tExperience with private wire / behind-the-meter connections and Power Purchase Agreements \n•\tStrong technical expertise in high-voltage integration (33 kV or similar)\n•\tSufficient financial capacity to deliver a pilot scheme and support potential wider rollout \n•\tAbility to work within operational railway constraints\nProgramme\n•\tPilot project to be developed as an initial phase\n•\tSubject to success, potential rollout across the wider DC traction network of up to 40GWh p.a\n•\tProcurement launch anticipated: August 2026\n•\tThis will be a single supplier Framework.\nNext Steps\nInterested parties should submit an expression of interest via email to:\nnikki.hunter@networkrail.co.uk",
    "communication": {
      "futureNoticeDate": "2026-08-10T23:59:59+01:00"
    },
    "specialRegime": [
      "utilities"
    ],
    "aboveThreshold": true,
    "mainProcurementCategory": "goods"
  },
  "buyerID": [],
  "parties": [
    {
      "id": "GB-PPON-PNZN-9524-VCQJ",
      "name": "NETWORK RAIL INFRASTRUCTURE LIMITED",
      "roles": [
        "buyer"
      ],
      "address": {
        "region": "UKI45",
        "country": "GB",
        "locality": "London",
        "postalCode": "SE1 8SW",
        "countryName": "United Kingdom",
        "streetAddress": "Waterloo General Office"
      },
      "details": {
        "url": "https://www.networkrail.co.uk/",
        "classifications": [
          {
            "id": "publicAuthorityCentralGovernment",
            "scheme": "UK_CA_TYPE",
            "description": "Public authority - central government"
          }
        ]
      },
      "identifier": {
        "id": "PNZN-9524-VCQJ",
        "scheme": "GB-PPON"
      },
      "contactPoint": {
        "name": "Nikki Hunter",
        "email": "nikki.hunter@networkrail.co.uk"
      }
    }
  ],
  "language": "en",
  "planning": {
    "documents": [
      {
        "id": "053133-2026",
        "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/053133-2026",
        "format": "text/html",
        "noticeType": "UK2",
        "description": "Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender",
        "documentType": "marketEngagementNotice",
        "datePublished": "2026-06-05T09:29:42+01:00"
      }
    ],
    "milestones": [
      {
        "id": "engagement",
        "type": "engagement",
        "status": "scheduled",
        "dueDate": "2026-07-03T23:59:59+01:00",
        "description": "Suppliers should express an interest to Nikki.hunter@networkrail.co.uk by 03/07/2026. Supplier engagement on contract conditions and scope will take place w/c 06/07/2026 via correspondance."
      }
    ]
  },
  "initiationType": "tender"
}
Complete JSON history (2 releases)
5 Jun 2026 · 053133-2026 · planningUpdate
{
  "id": "053133-2026",
  "tag": [
    "planningUpdate"
  ],
  "date": "2026-06-05T09:29:42+01:00",
  "ocid": "ocds-h6vhtk-06a2c1",
  "buyer": {
    "id": "GB-PPON-PNZN-9524-VCQJ",
    "name": "NETWORK RAIL INFRASTRUCTURE LIMITED"
  },
  "tender": {
    "id": "ocds-h6vhtk-06a2c1",
    "lots": [
      {
        "id": "1",
        "status": "planning",
        "description": null,
        "contractPeriod": {
          "endDate": "2035-06-30T23:59:59+01:00",
          "startDate": "2027-07-01T00:00:00+01:00"
        }
      }
    ],
    "items": [
      {
        "id": "1",
        "relatedLot": "1",
        "deliveryAddresses": [
          {
            "region": "UK",
            "country": "GB",
            "countryName": "United Kingdom"
          }
        ],
        "additionalClassifications": [
          {
            "id": "09300000",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Electricity, heating, solar and nuclear energy"
          }
        ]
      }
    ],
    "title": "Supplier funded renewables for Traction (DC DPPA framework)",
    "value": {
      "amount": 125000000,
      "currency": "GBP",
      "amountGross": 150000000
    },
    "status": "planning",
    "legalBasis": {
      "id": "2023/54",
      "uri": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents",
      "scheme": "UKPGA"
    },
    "techniques": {
      "hasFrameworkAgreement": true
    },
    "description": "Background\nNetwork Rail owns, operates and maintains Great Britain’s railway infrastructure, including track, signalling, electrification systems, bridges and stations. As one of the largest electricity consumers in the UK, Network Rail uses approximately 4.5 TWh per annum (c.4.1 TWh traction and 0.45 TWh non-traction).\nIn support of the UK Government’s Net Zero by 2050 commitment, Network Rail is seeking to transition its electricity supply towards renewable sources.\nScope of Opportunity\nNetwork Rail’s electrified network includes:\n•\t25 kV AC overhead line systems\n•\t750 V DC third rail systems (Southern Region and Merseyrail)\nThis procurement relates exclusively to the 750 V DC third rail network. \nThe Southern Region DC traction power system comprises:\n•\t~40 grid connection points supplied by Distribution Network Operators (DNOs)\n•\tA 33 kV (predominantly) three-phase distribution network, with limited 11 kV sections\n•\tAround 300 substations with transformer rectifier units converting AC to 750 V DC\n•\tA highly variable load profile driven by train operations\n•\tNetwork control via SCADA systems from electrical control rooms\nOpportunity Description\nNetwork Rail is exploring opportunities to integrate renewable energy generation “behind the meter”, directly connected to its 33 kV distribution network to supplement existing DNO supplies.  An export limitation scheme will be implemented to prevent excess energy being exported to the grid.\nThe intent is to procure energy through a Direct Power Purchase Agreement (DPPA) under a supplier-funded model. \nSupplier Requirements\nNetwork Rail is seeking expressions of interest from organisations that can demonstrate:\n•\tProven capability in renewable generation development covering various technologies (e.g. solar, wind, storage, or hybrid solutions)\n•\tExperience with private wire / behind-the-meter connections and Power Purchase Agreements \n•\tStrong technical expertise in high-voltage integration (33 kV or similar)\n•\tSufficient financial capacity to deliver a pilot scheme and support potential wider rollout \n•\tAbility to work within operational railway constraints\nProgramme\n•\tPilot project to be developed as an initial phase\n•\tSubject to success, potential rollout across the wider DC traction network of up to 40GWh p.a\n•\tProcurement launch anticipated: August 2026\n•\tThis will be a single supplier Framework.\nNext Steps\nInterested parties should submit an expression of interest via email to:\nnikki.hunter@networkrail.co.uk",
    "communication": {
      "futureNoticeDate": "2026-08-10T23:59:59+01:00"
    },
    "specialRegime": [
      "utilities"
    ],
    "aboveThreshold": true,
    "mainProcurementCategory": "goods"
  },
  "buyerID": [],
  "parties": [
    {
      "id": "GB-PPON-PNZN-9524-VCQJ",
      "name": "NETWORK RAIL INFRASTRUCTURE LIMITED",
      "roles": [
        "buyer"
      ],
      "address": {
        "region": "UKI45",
        "country": "GB",
        "locality": "London",
        "postalCode": "SE1 8SW",
        "countryName": "United Kingdom",
        "streetAddress": "Waterloo General Office"
      },
      "details": {
        "url": "https://www.networkrail.co.uk/",
        "classifications": [
          {
            "id": "publicAuthorityCentralGovernment",
            "scheme": "UK_CA_TYPE",
            "description": "Public authority - central government"
          }
        ]
      },
      "identifier": {
        "id": "PNZN-9524-VCQJ",
        "scheme": "GB-PPON"
      },
      "contactPoint": {
        "name": "Nikki Hunter",
        "email": "nikki.hunter@networkrail.co.uk"
      }
    }
  ],
  "language": "en",
  "planning": {
    "documents": [
      {
        "id": "053133-2026",
        "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/053133-2026",
        "format": "text/html",
        "noticeType": "UK2",
        "description": "Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender",
        "documentType": "marketEngagementNotice",
        "datePublished": "2026-06-05T09:29:42+01:00"
      }
    ],
    "milestones": [
      {
        "id": "engagement",
        "type": "engagement",
        "status": "scheduled",
        "dueDate": "2026-07-03T23:59:59+01:00",
        "description": "Suppliers should express an interest to Nikki.hunter@networkrail.co.uk by 03/07/2026. Supplier engagement on contract conditions and scope will take place w/c 06/07/2026 via correspondance."
      }
    ]
  },
  "initiationType": "tender"
}
26 May 2026 · 048461-2026 · planning
{
  "id": "048461-2026",
  "tag": [
    "planning"
  ],
  "date": "2026-05-26T10:01:47+01:00",
  "ocid": "ocds-h6vhtk-06a2c1",
  "buyer": {
    "id": "GB-PPON-PNZN-9524-VCQJ",
    "name": "NETWORK RAIL INFRASTRUCTURE LIMITED"
  },
  "tender": {
    "id": "ocds-h6vhtk-06a2c1",
    "lots": [
      {
        "id": "1",
        "status": "planning",
        "description": null,
        "contractPeriod": {
          "endDate": "2035-06-30T23:59:59+01:00",
          "startDate": "2027-07-01T00:00:00+01:00"
        }
      }
    ],
    "items": [
      {
        "id": "1",
        "relatedLot": "1",
        "deliveryAddresses": [
          {
            "region": "UK",
            "country": "GB",
            "countryName": "United Kingdom"
          }
        ],
        "additionalClassifications": [
          {
            "id": "09300000",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Electricity, heating, solar and nuclear energy"
          }
        ]
      }
    ],
    "title": "Supplier funded renewables for Traction (DC DPPA framework)",
    "value": {
      "amount": 125000000,
      "currency": "GBP",
      "amountGross": 150000000
    },
    "status": "planning",
    "legalBasis": {
      "id": "2023/54",
      "uri": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents",
      "scheme": "UKPGA"
    },
    "techniques": {
      "hasFrameworkAgreement": true
    },
    "description": "Background\nNetwork Rail owns, operates and maintains Great Britain’s railway infrastructure, including track, signalling, electrification systems, bridges and stations. As one of the largest electricity consumers in the UK, Network Rail uses approximately 4.5 TWh per annum (c.4.1 TWh traction and 0.45 TWh non-traction).\nIn support of the UK Government’s Net Zero by 2050 commitment, Network Rail is seeking to transition its electricity supply towards renewable sources.\nScope of Opportunity\nNetwork Rail’s electrified network includes:\n•\t25 kV AC overhead line systems\n•\t750 V DC third rail systems (Southern Region and Merseyrail)\nThis procurement relates exclusively to the 750 V DC third rail network. \nThe Southern Region DC traction power system comprises:\n•\t~40 grid connection points supplied by Distribution Network Operators (DNOs)\n•\tA 33 kV (predominantly) three-phase distribution network, with limited 11 kV sections\n•\tAround 300 substations with transformer rectifier units converting AC to 750 V DC\n•\tA highly variable load profile driven by train operations\n•\tNetwork control via SCADA systems from electrical control rooms\nOpportunity Description\nNetwork Rail is exploring opportunities to integrate renewable energy generation “behind the meter”, directly connected to its 33 kV distribution network to supplement existing DNO supplies.  An export limitation scheme will be implemented to prevent excess energy being exported to the grid.\nThe intent is to procure energy through a Direct Power Purchase Agreement (DPPA) under a supplier-funded model. \nSupplier Requirements\nNetwork Rail is seeking expressions of interest from organisations that can demonstrate:\n•\tProven capability in renewable generation development covering various technologies (e.g. solar, wind, storage, or hybrid solutions)\n•\tExperience with private wire / behind-the-meter connections and Power Purchase Agreements \n•\tStrong technical expertise in high-voltage integration (33 kV or similar)\n•\tSufficient financial capacity to deliver a pilot scheme and support potential wider rollout \n•\tAbility to work within operational railway constraints\nProgramme\n•\tPilot project to be developed as an initial phase\n•\tSubject to success, potential rollout across the wider DC traction network of up to 40GWh p.a\n•\tProcurement launch anticipated: August 2026\n•\tThis will be a single supplier Framework.\nNext Steps\nInterested parties should submit an expression of interest via email to:\nnikki.hunter@networkrail.co.uk",
    "communication": {
      "futureNoticeDate": "2026-08-10T23:59:59+01:00"
    },
    "specialRegime": [
      "utilities"
    ],
    "aboveThreshold": true,
    "mainProcurementCategory": "goods"
  },
  "buyerID": [],
  "parties": [
    {
      "id": "GB-PPON-PNZN-9524-VCQJ",
      "name": "NETWORK RAIL INFRASTRUCTURE LIMITED",
      "roles": [
        "buyer"
      ],
      "address": {
        "region": "UKI45",
        "country": "GB",
        "locality": "London",
        "postalCode": "SE1 8SW",
        "countryName": "United Kingdom",
        "streetAddress": "Waterloo General Office"
      },
      "details": {
        "url": "https://www.networkrail.co.uk/",
        "classifications": [
          {
            "id": "publicAuthorityCentralGovernment",
            "scheme": "UK_CA_TYPE",
            "description": "Public authority - central government"
          }
        ]
      },
      "identifier": {
        "id": "PNZN-9524-VCQJ",
        "scheme": "GB-PPON"
      },
      "contactPoint": {
        "name": "Nikki Hunter",
        "email": "nikki.hunter@networkrail.co.uk"
      }
    }
  ],
  "language": "en",
  "planning": {
    "documents": [
      {
        "id": "048461-2026",
        "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/048461-2026",
        "format": "text/html",
        "noticeType": "UK2",
        "description": "Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender",
        "documentType": "marketEngagementNotice",
        "datePublished": "2026-05-26T10:01:47+01:00"
      }
    ],
    "milestones": [
      {
        "id": "engagement",
        "type": "engagement",
        "status": "scheduled",
        "dueDate": "2026-07-03T23:59:59+01:00",
        "description": "Suppliers should express an interest to Nikki.hunter@netwrokrail.co.uk by 03/07/2026. Supplier engagement on contract conditions and scope will take place w/c 06/07/2026 via correspondance."
      }
    ]
  },
  "initiationType": "tender"
}