Section one: Contracting entity
one.1) Name and addresses
United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority
Culham Science Centre
Abingdon
OX14 3DB
Contact
Matt Burton
Telephone
+44 1235467082
Country
United Kingdom
Region code
UKJ14 - Oxfordshire
National registration number
N/A
Internet address(es)
Main address
http://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-atomic-energy-authority
Buyer's address
https://uk.eu-supply.com/ctm/Company/CompanyInformation/Index/72814
one.3) Communication
Additional information can be obtained from the above-mentioned address
one.6) Main activity
Other activity
Fusion Research & Development
Section two: Object
two.1) Scope of the procurement
two.1.1) Title
Flywheel Generator Convertors (FGC) Repurposing Project
Reference number
T/MJB/115/23
two.1.2) Main CPV code
- 51112000 - Installation services of electricity distribution and control equipment
two.1.3) Type of contract
Services
two.1.4) Short description
UKAEA is entering a multi-year decommissioning programme of the Joint European Torus (JET) experimental fusion machine at the end of 2023 under the JET Decommissioning and Repurposing Programme.
One of the key existing systems that have historically provided additional power to the Fusion machine will no longer be required for their primary purpose and an opportunity exists to repurpose the equipment for alternative use.
A preliminary feasibility study has identified that the Flywheel Generator Convertors (FGCs) could be repurposed to provide inertia as part of the National Grid Stability Services (ESO), it is expected that the flywheels could provide more than 5 GW.s of inertia. This PIN is to establish third party interest in this opportunity, said parties recognising the need for investment to upgrade & operate the JET flywheels for grid load balancing.
Please refer to attached document for further information and registration for the site visit.
two.1.6) Information about lots
This contract is divided into lots: No
two.2) Description
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 09300000 - Electricity, heating, solar and nuclear energy
- 45315300 - Electricity supply installations
- 51000000 - Installation services (except software)
- 65300000 - Electricity distribution and related services
- 65400000 - Other sources of energy supplies and distribution
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKJ14 - Oxfordshire
- UK - United Kingdom
Main site or place of performance
Culham Science Centre
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
The United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) is entering a multi-year decommissioning programme of the Joint European Torus (JET) experimental fusion machine at the end of 2023 under the JET Decommissioning and Repurposing Programme. One of the key existing systems that have historically provided additional power to the Fusion machine will no longer be required for their primary purpose and an opportunity exists to repurpose the equipment for alternative use. A preliminary feasibility study has identified that the Flywheel Generator Convertors (FGCs) could be repurposed to provide inertia as part of the National Grid Stability Services (ESO).
The two Flywheel Generator Convertors (FGCs) can each supply 2600 MJ to their respective magnet load coils with a peak power of 410 MVA. Each flywheel generator is currently independently operated and used as energy storage for Joint European Torus (JET) pulses. They are driven by 8 MW pony motors with the flywheel output diode rectified for up to 400 MW DC output. A concept has been developed to connect the flywheel to the 400 kV transmission network via Culham’s existing connection.
Stability services are vital for the safe and secure operation of the electricity network, it is expected that the flywheels could provide more than 5 GW.s of inertia.
This Prior Information Notice (PIN) is to establish third party interest in this opportunity, said parties recognising the need for investment to upgrade and then operate the JET flywheels for grid load balancing.
To enable interested parties to understand more about this opportunity please confirm if you would like to attend a site visit at the UKAEA Culham facility via the attached registration questionnaire.
This visit will allow interested parties to view the facility which houses the flywheel generators and meet technical and commercial representatives from UKAEA.
Please refer to attached document for further information and registration for the site visit.
two.3) Estimated date of publication of contract notice
30 June 2024
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: No