Yorkshire Water has opened a tender for a new eight-year solar framework agreement covering the construction, operation and maintenance of photovoltaic arrays.
The agreement covers the development of bespoke solar arrays across 150 Yorkshire Water sites to generate electricity that will be purchased by the water company under a long-term private power purchase agreement, with the surplus exported to the grid.
Those companies awarded onto the framework will be able to bid for packages of sites when they are released for development, Yorkshire water said.
Work on the first projects is expected to start in early 2021 and will include the construction of 30 solar power sites.
Yorkshire Water sourcing and contracts manager Scott Copley said: “This is a significant investment in our sites and renewable energy.
“We’re hoping bidding companies will bring new and innovative ideas to the table to ensure the project is delivered efficiently and provides the energy saving benefits to our business as part of our commitment to be carbon net zero by 2030.”
Once the sites are operational it is estimated the electricity generated could reduce energy costs, save approximately 6000 tonnes CO2 equivalent a year and enhance biodiversity, Yorkshire Water said.
Bidders have until 22 July to submit tender or requests to participate.