Market Engagement – Kent Bioresources Project; Treatment and disposal of bioresources (sewage sludge) in Kent (UK)

Tender description

Southern Water is currently conducting a Market Engagement initiative focused on the treatment and disposal of sewage sludge (bioresources). This involves a comprehensive contract that encompasses the design, construction, financing, and potentially the operation and maintenance of advanced sludge treatment facilities. Southern Water invites participation from potential investors and suppliers to actively contribute to this exercise. The aim is to gain a deeper understanding of market capabilities and interests, setting out the groundwork for a potential subsequent tender. This is not a call for competition. Lot 1: We are planning to restructure our bioresource (sludge) treatment facilities in Kent, consolidating our smaller treatment centres into two larger sites. We are currently processing approximately 42,000 tonnes dry solids (TDS) of raw sludge per year in that region (un-screened, screened, un-thickened, thickened liquid and screened dewatered cake derived from a range of wastewater treatment works) which are treated under conventional digestion followed by either maturation or liming of the treated sludge (Biosolids) for agricultural use. The biogas produced is used in combined heat & power (CHP) engines to generate heat & electricity, both used on site or exported (electricity). Our strategy involves replacing current assets and expanding capacity to process approximately 46,000 (TDS) of raw sludge. We plan to achieve this through the implementation of new advanced anaerobic digestion (AAD) technology at two proposed sites, namely Ashford and Ham Hill. Additionally, there is potential for the recovery of various resources, including ammonia. We aim to collaborate with interested parties to jointly develop and implement our strategy. We are exploring a Design, Build, Finance (and potentially Operate & Maintain) model. This Prior Information Notice (PIN) is issued by Southern Water to initiate discussions and gain insights into the potential solutions and opportunities identified by potential investors and the broader industry. For the avoidance of doubt, the purpose of this Periodic Indicative Notice (PIN) is to conduct a market testing exercise only and will not formally begin the procurement nor constitute any commitment by Southern Water to undertake any procurement exercise nor form a commercial strategy in a particular form. Any follow-up discussions and responses to the Request for Information (RFI) are solely for information and planning purposes. Additional information: Additional information can be obtained from our e-sourcing portal: https://southernwater.bravosolution.co.uk/ It is free to register on the portal, which can be accessed at any time of day. Southern Water plan on holding a market engagement in the week commencing 26th February 2024, further information will be provided via our e-sourcing portal.