Section one: Contracting authority
one.1) Name and addresses
The Highland Council
Glenurquhart Road
Inverness
IV3 5NX
Contact
Amy MacCulloch
amy.macculloch5@highland.gov.uk
Telephone
+44 1467530600
Country
United Kingdom
NUTS code
UKM6 - Highlands and Islands
Internet address(es)
Main address
Buyer's address
https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/Search_AuthProfile.aspx?ID=AA00045
one.2) Information about joint procurement
The contract is awarded by a central purchasing body
one.3) Communication
Additional information can be obtained from the above-mentioned address
one.4) Type of the contracting authority
Regional or local authority
one.5) Main activity
General public services
Section two: Object
two.1) Scope of the procurement
two.1.1) Title
PIN Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) – Torvean Quarry, Inverness
two.1.2) Main CPV code
- 09300000 - Electricity, heating, solar and nuclear energy
two.1.3) Type of contract
Supplies
two.1.4) Short description
The Highland Council has identified a site for the development of a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). The Highland Council has accepted a grid connection offer and intends to tender for a developer to design, build and operate the facility.
two.1.6) Information about lots
This contract is divided into lots: No
two.2) Description
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 65400000 - Other sources of energy supplies and distribution
- 71314000 - Energy and related services
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKM6 - Highlands and Islands
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
The Highland Council has identified the former Torvean Quarry (Inverness) for development of a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), which would support distribution network operations via connection to an existing (collocated) overhead 33kV line.
The Highland Council has accepted a grid connection offer provided by the Distribution Network Operator (Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution PLC), for a 9,900 kVA import / 9,900 kW export connection, with an estimated connection date of 31 October 2027 (note that this date is subject to change).
The Highland Council intends to tender (via open competition) for a developer to design, build and operate a BESS at the former Torvean Quarry. It is envisaged that the Highland Council would assign the accepted grid connection offer to the contracted party, and that the contracted party would undertake all required contestable distribution network works, in addition to the BESS build. The Highland Council would receive a standing lease payment for occupation of the site, plus an agreed revenue share, throughout the term of the lease (20-40 years). An Option to Lease fee would also be payable, from contract award, until the lease period begins.
The purpose of this Prior Information Notice (PIN) is to communicate the Highland Council’s intention to contract with a developer. The developer should have suitable experience and resources available to meet the full demands of the tender.
two.3) Estimated date of publication of contract notice
12 June 2025
Section four. Procedure
four.1) Description
four.1.8) Information about the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
The procurement is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement: Yes
Section six. Complementary information
six.3) Additional information
NOTE: To register your interest in this notice and obtain any additional information please visit the Public Contracts Scotland Web Site at https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/Search/Search_Switch.aspx?ID=799637.
(SC Ref:799637)