Scope
Description
Network Rail (Wales and Western) intends to award a contract via direct award under the Procurement Act 2023 to Turbo Power Systems Limited (TPS) for the continued development (Phase 2) of a first-of-its-kind 25 kV Integrated Converter Prototype for use on the railway.
This prototype forms part of a strategic innovation programme to enable the use of self-generated renewable energy for powering electric trains - a key enabler of Network Rail's long-term decarbonisation and sustainability objectives.
TPS, a specialist in advanced power electronic systems, initially proposed the concept to Network Rail and successfully delivered Phase 1, which included the design and demonstration of a proof of concept. This was formally reviewed and approved by Network Rail's Technical Authority, confirming both technical feasibility and alignment with operational requirements.
The Phase 2 contract will progress the innovation to a functional prototype, building directly on the technical foundations established in the initial phase.
Contract 1. Phase 2 -Filton Renewables - Prototype - R&D project
Supplier
Contract value
- £2,065,000 excluding VAT
- £2,478,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Date signed
17 October 2025
Contract dates
- 20 October 2025 to 19 October 2027
- Possible extension to 19 October 2028
- 3 years
Description of possible extension:
R&D Project - may be extended further to meet deliverable requirements
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 73120000 - Experimental development services
Other information
Applicable trade agreements
- Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
- Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP)
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Direct award
Special regime
Utilities
Direct award justification
- Prototypes and development
- Single supplier - intellectual property or exclusive rights
- Single supplier - technical reasons
A direct award is justified under Section 41(1)(b) of the Procurement Act 2023 due to the absence of competition for technical reasons. TPS retains all intellectual property rights (IPR) over the existing design and remains the only economic operator with the capability to deliver the required next stage of development.
Supplier
Turbo Power Systems Ltd
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PRZP-5234-CTQL
1 Queens Park, Queensway North, Teams Valle Trading Estate
Gateshead
NE11 0QD
United Kingdom
Email: info@turbopowersystems.com
Region: UKC22 - Tyneside
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Supported employment provider: No
Public service mutual: No
Contract 1
Contracting authority
NETWORK RAIL INFRASTRUCTURE LIMITED
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PNZN-9524-VCQJ
Waterloo General Office
London
SE1 8SW
United Kingdom
Email: amy.slocombe@networkrail.co.uk
Website: https://www.networkrail.co.uk/
Region: UKI45 - Lambeth
Organisation type: Public authority - central government