Scope
Reference
prj_5038
Description
DESNZ is seeking to procure a contractor to provide research services for a four-year Biomass Research Programme. The programme will advance scientific understanding of the role and potential of biomass and bioenergy in supporting climate change mitigation, enhancing energy security, and de-risking the delivery of net zero.
It will include research on:
Lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions of biomass feedstocks and bioenergy systems
Biomass availability and demand across sectors
Sustainability criteria and environmental impacts
Co-benefits and trade-offs including biodiversity, air and water quality
Economic modelling of biomass-derived fuels and materials
The bioeconomy and its potential for growth and decarbonisation
The following skills and expertise are considered particularly important for this work:
Geospatial modelling
Spatial data analysis
Modelling climate scenarios
Scientific research
Scientific analysis
Policy development
Economic research
The project will additionally require strong project management capability to support the delivery of this research.
Outputs are likely to include:
Reports, policy briefings, and technical annexes
Updated models (e.g. UK & Global Bioenergy Resource Model)
Seminars, workshops, and teach-ins
Data sets and scenario analyses to inform policy decisions
The programme will be delivered through seven work packages (WP), covering:
WP1: Programme Management
WP2: Biomass Lifecycle Analysis
WP3: Feedstock Availability
WP4: Biomass Feedstocks for Industry
WP5: Biomass Sustainability Framework (with co-benefits & trade-offs)
WP6: Analyses of the Bioeconomy
WP7: A Flexible Fund for emerging evidence needs
DESNZ is holding a supplier event on MS Teams on 13.01.2026, consisting of a presentation by DESNZ followed by Q&A.
Total value (estimated)
- £4,080,000 excluding VAT
- £4,900,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 20 April 2026 to 31 March 2030
- 3 years, 11 months, 11 days
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 73110000 - Research services
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Engagement
Engagement deadline
20 January 2026
Engagement process description
There will be a Supplier Engagement Call on 13th January 2026 from 1400 – 1530 GMT.
If you are interested in this potential opportunity, please complete the MS Form with your details.
Biomass Research Programme – https://forms.office.com/e/ca3n6nLRDG
An ‘MS Teams’ invite will be circulated for the market engagement event on the week of the event with those who have signed up. We would ask that you have a maximum of 2 attendees from each organisation.
Participants will need to register by 4 PM GMT on 12.01.2026.
Please send any questions to internationalclimateandenergy.procurement@energysecurty.gov.uk
by 4 PM GMT on 20.01.2026.
Participation
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Submission
Publication date of tender notice (estimated)
27 February 2026
Contracting authority
Department for Energy Security & Net Zero
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PDHQ-2163-WYMH
55 Whitehall
London
SW1A 2HP
United Kingdom
Region: UKI32 - Westminster
Organisation type: Public authority - central government