Electricity Supply and Solar Infrastructure

Location

Description

The procurement proposes appointing Wattserve Itchen Limited ("Supplier") to provide electricity to Portsmouth Water Limited ("PW"), integrating both new renewable generation and existing solar assets on PW's premises at River Itchen Water Treatment Works (the "PW Premises"). The Supplier will install, operate and own new solar PV and battery storage assets to supplement the electricity supplied to PW from the existing solar assets.

Award Detail

CPV Codes

• None found

Legal Justification

The procurement is proposed to be awarded to the Wattserve Itchen Limited under the exemption for a public contract awarded without competition for technical reasons (Schedule 5, Paragraph 6), on the basis that: 1. The relevant premises already host an operational solar supply owned by Brockhampton Solutions Limited ("BSL") under an existing power purchase agreement with Portsmouth Water ("PW"). A key feature of the proposed arrangement is that BSL will continue to operate its existing solar assets on the relevant premises and supply electricity to PW under the terms of the existing power purchase agreement. The Supplier will only supplement any shortfall in electricity needed by PW on the premises using the new generation assets and/or grid supply. The Supplier will manage the export and import meters on PW's supply circuit and act as BSL's agent in exporting any surplus electricity generated by BSL's existing assets. Any behind-the-meter solution must be integrated with BSL's existing assets and contractual arrangements and PW's supply circuit. PW is therefore technically constrained to work within the framework established by BSL, making this integration a defining feature of the proposal. 2. PW has explored alternative solutions in the market. However, any solution must be compatible with BSL's existing contractual and operational requirements. As a result, while other solutions may exist in principle, they are not reasonable alternatives for the purposes of Schedule 5, Paragraph 6, because PW is bound by BSL's mandates regarding the transaction. The distinction between "substitutes" (other potential solutions) and "reasonable alternatives" (feasible options that meet PW's technical and contractual constraints) supports this conclusion. In addition Wattstor Itchen Limited have also incorporated into the solution certain exclusive intellectual property and commercial terms that are not otherwise available on the open market.

Other Information

Brockhampton Solutions Limited ("BSL") currently owns existing solar assets on PW's Premises and supplies electricity to PW under a power purchase agreement. In order to ensure the new arrangements align with BSL's existing supply arrangement, PW and the Supplier will coordinate with BSL to continue the supply of electricity from BSL's existing assets to PW under the existing power purchase agreement. The Supplier will supplement any shortfall of electricity needed by PW on the PW Premises. PW, as the occupier of the PW Premises, will consume the electricity supplied under this integrated arrangement and provide access for the installation and operation of the Supplier's assets. The combined approach ensures PW's electricity needs are met through a mix of the Supplier's new generation, BSL's existing solar assets, and grid supply where required. This arrangement establishes the roles and interactions between PW, BSL, and the Supplier, supporting an efficient, coordinated electricity supply while maintaining continuity with existing solar infrastructure. ** PREVIEW NOTICE, please check Find a Tender for full details. **