Operation and Maintenance Services for the Ness Energy from Waste Facility

What this is

Aberdeen City Council (as lead authority on behalf of Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire, and Moray Councils) is procuring Operation and Maintenance Services for the Ness Energy from Waste Facility, which processes up to 150,000 tonnes per annum of residual waste. The estimated total contract value is £350,000,000 for a 20-year term (15-20 years base with potential 5-year extension). A two-stage competitive procedure with potential negotiation is anticipated, with shortlisting to a maximum of 4 and minimum of 3 operators; the RFI response deadline was 1 May 2026 and the contract notice is expected imminently (as of 24 June 2026 update).

Key points

• MAJOR CONTRACT: Operation and maintenance of Ness Energy from Waste Facility — estimated £350,000,000 over 20 years; up to 150,000 tonnes/year residual waste from Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire and Moray Councils
• Two-stage restricted process: shortlisting (3-4 operators) then tender/negotiation; must demonstrate EfW operations experience; contract notice expected imminently (update 24 June 2026)
• Register interest via PCS (SC Ref: 823882) and check publictendersscotland.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk; main contact ProjectTeam@nessenergy.co.uk

Who can bid

Suppliers must demonstrate sufficient experience in operating and maintaining Energy from Waste facilities. Two-stage process: shortlisting (max 4, min 3 operators meeting minimum criteria) then invited to tender. Competitive Procedure with Negotiation may be used. Aberdeen City Council is Lead Authority; joint procurement with Aberdeenshire Council and Moray Council. GPA applies. Formal criteria will be published with the contract notice.

How it is scored

Not yet fully specified. Highest scoring candidates meeting minimum selection criteria will be shortlisted to tender. Competitive Procedure with Negotiation may or may not take place depending on acceptability of initial tenders. Award criteria will be published in the contract notice (expected imminently as at 24 June 2026).

Money

Estimated total contract value: £350,000,000 excl. VAT (for 20-year term). Actual value may vary depending on term, waste tonnages, energy income pass-through (electricity and heat offtake), and indexation. Up to 150,000 tonnes per annum of residual waste.

How to submit

RFI response deadline was 1 May 2026 at 17:00 — submit completed RFI to aidavidson@aberdeencity.gov.uk. Contract notice expected imminently (as at 24 June 2026 update). Register interest via PCS (SC Ref: 823882). Portal: www.publictendersscotland.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk

Clarifications

Main contact: ProjectTeam@nessenergy.co.uk. Admin: cpssprocurement@aberdeencity.gov.uk. Moray: procurement@moray.gov.uk. Q&A via PCS after recording interest. RFI questions to aidavidson@aberdeencity.gov.uk.

Contract period

15-20 year contract with potential 5-year extension (estimated total value based on 20-year term: £350,000,000). Start date not specified. Council reserves right to award on basis of initial tenders without negotiation.

Classification

CPV 90500000 — Refuse and waste related services 90530000 — Operation of a refuse site90513300 — Refuse incineration services65410000 — Operation of a power plant65320000 — Operation of electrical installations50000000 — Repair and maintenance services71300000 — Engineering services ScotlandAberdeen & North-East