Deep Geothermal Well Drilling Works

Location

York:

Description

The University of York ("the Authority") has launched an exciting deep geothermal energy project as a transformative step in its journey to Net Zero. The project aims to cut our fossil fuel consumption by 78% as part of our Sustainability Plan 2030 targets and making a substantial contribution to reducing the City of York's overall carbon footprint. This multi-phased initiative will leverage the Earth's natural heat to provide sustainable energy solutions for our campus and potentially the wider community. The project positions the University of York, City and region as a leader in sustainable energy innovation, combining geothermal exploration with our renowned research and educational expertise. Further details regarding the project can be found on the university website here https: //www.york.ac.uk/about/sustainability/campus-operations/climate-action/geothermal-energy/ The Authority is seeking to appoint a contractor to deliver a deep geothermal doublet system consisting of a production well of more than 4km, and an injector well of more than 3km, with the aim of extracting geothermal heat to supply the Authority's campus district heat network, thereby removing the need for CHP units in an effort to meet the university's net zero goals. This phase of the project was awarded funding from the government's Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme in April 2025. The successful contractor shall be required to fully deliver the project, which shall involve the drilling and all associated activities. The Authority is therefore wishing to engage with participants who can deliver a complete 'turn key' project on their own, or as a joint or consortia bid headed by a lead contractor. A preliminary market engagement (PME) process was advertised and market engagement conducted. The PME resulted in the production of a strategy to procure the drilling contractor, an understanding of the market conditions, and the preferred form of contract to be used. The project shall be delivered by the Authority and York University Energy Supply Company (YUESCo) which is the Authority's wholly owned subsidiary company responsible for the Authority's on-campus energy production and distribution. Participants should note that orders shall be placed by YUESCo on behalf of the Authority. The Authority has sufficient funding in place to deliver the project, and is actively seeking additional funding (both internal and external) to potentially deliver a subsequent production well for research or other use. For clarity, the estimated total value stated in this notice is an estimate of maximum value covered by secured grant funds to deliver the initial two well project and ancillary projects (circ £20,000,000 exVAT), and also an estimated value to deliver a subsequent third well should the Authority secure additional funds (circ £15,000,000 exVAT).

Renewal Options

The University requires drilling activity for the production and injector wells to be completed by the 31st December 2027. The University is actively seeking additional funding to drill an additional production well for research or other purposes and wishes to have a contractual option available to extend the agreement with the successful contractor on mutual agreement to drill an additional production well (estimated additional 12 month period through to 31st December 2028).

Award Criteria

CPV Codes

• 24951110 - Drilling mud
• 34514300 - Platforms drilling rigs
• 43132200 - Drilling rig
• 43132300 - Drills
• 43136000 - Downhole equipment
• 43611000 - Parts for well-drilling machinery
• 45000000 - Construction work
• 71320000 - Engineering design services
• 71331000 - Drilling-mud engineering services
• 71332000 - Geotechnical engineering services
• 71351000 - Geological, geophysical and other scientific prospecting services
• 73100000 - Research and experimental development services
• 76211200 - Mudlogging services
• 76300000 - Drilling services
• 76410000 - Well-casing and tubing services
• 76420000 - Well-cementing services
• 76430000 - Well-drilling and production services
• 76440000 - Well-logging services
• 76450000 - Well-management services
• 76460000 - Well-support services
• 76470000 - Well-testing services
• 76480000 - Tubing services
• 76490000 - Well-completion services
• 76500000 - Onshore and offshore services

Indicators

• Options are available.
• Renewals are available.

Other Information

** PREVIEW NOTICE, please check Find a Tender for full details. **