Growing Mid Wales Datgloi Project - Specialist Consultancy Services / Prosiect Datgloi Canolbarth Cymru sy'n Tyfu - Gwasanaethau Ymgynghori Arbenigol 2026 Tender

Cyngor Sir Ceredigion County Council

About this tender

Ceredigion County Council, on behalf of the Growing Mid Wales (GMW) Board, is seeking to appoint a suitably qualified and experienced consultancy organisation to provide specialist technical services supporting the Datgloi forestry project. The project builds on previous research into the potential role of locally produced green hydrogen in supporting forestry transport, processing and other energy-intensive activities across rural Mid Wales. The commission will assess the technical, operational, commercial and environmental feasibility of hydrogen-powered machinery, vehicles and associated infrastructure within a rural forestry setting. The supplier will be expected to undertake technical assessments, feasibility studies, stakeholder engagement and option appraisal to develop robust, evidence-based recommendations. Bidders must objectively test assumptions and consider alternative or complementary low-carbon solutions where appropriate, so that recommendations are practical, achievable and deliverable. The estimated contract period runs from 7 December 2026 to 31 March 2027. Award is subject to the approval and availability of grant funding, and the Council reserves the right not to award if funding is not approved or secured. Key delivery risks include dependence on grant funding, timely access to information and stakeholders, and completion of assessments within agreed timescales.

Bidder eligibility

Participation conditions listed in the notice: Economic Conditions of participation; Relevant Experience; Technical Capacity; Qualified Personnel; Environmental Compliance & Management; Capacity & Throughput. Specific thresholds, required registrations and reference requirements are not stated in the notice text. The procurement is open to SMEs and VCSEs. Bidders are expected to be a suitably qualified and experienced consultancy organisation.

How bids are scored

Award criterion of type quality, named 'Technical', weighted 100% (percentage). No price weighting is disclosed.

Key requirements

• ✓Technical, operational, commercial and environmental feasibility assessment of hydrogen-powered forestry machinery and infrastructure
• ✓Stakeholder engagement and option appraisal with evidence-based recommendations
• ✓Objective testing of assumptions and consideration of alternative low-carbon solutions
• ✓Contract value £125,000 to £250,000, subject to grant funding approval

Procurement contact

The notice names a procurement contact for clarification questions.

Relevant sectors

About this sector

Hydrogen and e-fuels funding supports electrolysers, production plants, storage, transport and end uses in industry, shipping and aviation. Support is often tied to low-carbon production standards and offtake from named users. Calls commonly ask for a site, a supply of renewable power and a consortium that covers production through to demand.