Scope
Reference
CA18/2/1/137
Description
The Water and Abandoned Metal Mines Programme (WAMM) is the primary delivery mechanism to achieve the statutory Environment Act target to halve the length of rivers polluted by harmful metals from abandoned metal mines by 2038.
WAMM is being delivered by a partnership between the Mining Remediation Authority, the Environment Agency and Defra.
The former Sharnberry mines are located in County Durham at the far eastern edge of the North Pennines Orefield, in the Pennines Moors.
The mines pollute rivers in the Wear catchment, specifically the Euden Beck and downstream Bedburn Beck.
The Environment Agency carried out a detailed monitoring programme to measure the metal concentrations and river flows at various points across the catchment. This monitoring indicated that the Sharnberry adit is the most significant source of zinc and cadmium pollution and also contributes to lead pollution.
The Environment Agency have advised that a Mine Water Treatment Scheme (MWTS) is required that will require a permanent power connection.
In February 2025, it was agreed to progress with Phase 1 of the grid connection, which is from Eggleston Crest to the boundary of the Eggleston Estate access track.
This contract is for non-contestable works of the phase 2 grid extension, which is for Northern Powergrid to:
- Upgrade the existing two-conductor system to Three-Phase, which involves rebuilding the line.
- Carrying out 1x HV closing joint
- Undertaking all Senior Authorised Person work associated with all connections to the Distribution System
Contract 1. Sharnberry MWTS - Power Connection - Phase 2 Non-Contestable Works
Supplier
Contract value
- £435,072.02 excluding VAT
- £522,086.42 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Earliest date the contract will be signed
20 February 2026
Contract dates (estimated)
- 20 February 2026 to 31 December 2026
- Possible extension to 31 December 2027
- 1 year, 10 months, 9 days
Description of possible extension:
Extensions will only be required if operational site conditions, weather and other factors delay delivery of services
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 51110000 - Installation services of electrical equipment
Contract locations
- UKC - North East (England)
Other information
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Direct award
Direct award justification
Single supplier - technical reasons
These services fall under the definition of non-contestable works under the auspices of the Electricity Act of 1989
When applying for a new electricity connection to the national grid, non contestable works refer to those elements of the connection process that only the Distribution Network Operator (DNO) can legally carry out. They contrast with contestable works, which independent providers (ICPs or IDNOs) may execute under suitable accreditation.
In this instance the DNO is Northern Powergrid
Supplier
NORTHERN POWERGRID (NORTHEAST) PLC
- Companies House: 02906593
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PDXB-1394-ZPXN
Lloyds Court
Newcastle Upon Tyne
NE1 6AF
United Kingdom
Region: UKC22 - Tyneside
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Contract 1. Sharnberry MWTS - Power Connection - Phase 2 Non-Contestable Works
Contracting authority
Mining Remediation Authority
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PRPD-5825-QDVY
200 Lichfield Lane
Nottinghamshire
NG18 4RG
United Kingdom
Contact name: Peter Kobryn
Region: UKF15 - North Nottinghamshire
Organisation type: Public authority - central government