Tendering strategy

Has the environmental permit been granted for a solar or wind farm, the SDE subsidy granted and the grid connection arranged? Simply put, you now “only” need to choose a manufacturer who will install the wind turbines, a contractor who will build the civil and electrical works (Balance of Plant), or an installer who will install the solar field. But how do you know which of the numerous providers is best for your project? By holding one or more tenders, you can compare all offers in a structured way, negotiate with providers, and conclude a contract with the best party.

Tendering strategy for solar or wind farms

It is important that the procurement strategy is considered in advance. Answering several important questions is crucial here:

  • Will the contractor design, purchase and execute? This is also known as an EPC (Engineering, Procurement, Construction) contract.
  • Is the entire project scope carried out by one party or by several parties? For example, by distinguishing between the construction of the wind turbine, the civil works, and the electrical infrastructure.
  • Which contract conditions are used?
    • Fidic Yellow Book is usually used for the supply of wind turbines. This form of contract is known to all wind turbine suppliers and fits in well with the method, risks and degree of complexity associated with the supply and construction of wind turbines.
    • Civil and electrical (Balance of Plant) activities are often carried out by Dutch parties, using the UAV-gc. If the initiators themselves want to be responsible for (drafting) the design, the UAV contract conditions can also be used.
    • Conditions of ALIB 2007 are a common variant for the design and realisation of a solar park.
    • Depending on the nature of your project, the risks and the degree of complexity, other existing contract types or form-free contracts can also be used. For example, smaller contracts sometimes use the contract template of the contractor or supplier. We would be happy to work with you to find the most suitable solution for your project.
  • Which selection of parties is suitable to invite for the tender? Based on, for example, licensing requirements.
  • Which tender procedure is most applicable, and which legal rules apply (for example a European Tender)?
  • On which criteria is the best party selected?
  • Will the selected party also carry out the management and maintenance?
  • What is realistic planning for the tendering and execution of the project?
  • In short: what strategy helps you to commit the right parties to your project!

Pondera helps with tendering strategy for solar and wind projects

Pondera can help you with both asking and answering these questions, formulating the tendering strategy, and actually starting a tender. We have already deployed our expertise for various post-tender solar and wind projects. Are you curious about the possibilities? We would be happy to start a conversation with you without obligation.

Tender for management and maintenance (solar and wind farms)

After the realisation of your solar or wind project, the operational phase begins. In this phase, the aim is to operate the wind farm or solar park as safely as possible and to have the park produce as much as possible. To take the pressure off you as an owner, there are numerous providers who can take over the maintenance and management for you. Here we distinguish between a maintenance contract and a management contract.

  • The maintenance contract describes how the maintenance party performs the maintenance and what the party guarantees as the associated availability of the turbines. The maintenance contract is regularly concluded with the supplier of the wind turbines or solar panels, but in many cases can also be concluded with another party.
  • The management contract describes how the manager monitors wind turbines or the solar park to maximise production. It also details how this party manages the power contract and fulfils agreements with the grid operator.

Maintenance and management contract for solar and wind farms

To select the best party for your maintenance and management contract from the numerous providers, going through a tender process can be beneficial. We can support you by going through the following steps:

  • drawing up a request in which the scope of management and/or maintenance is defined;
  • pre-selection of the most suitable parties;
  • inviting the parties to issue an offer;
  • assessing and comparing the offers in order to select a preferred supplier;
  • concluding a management and/or maintenance contract with the preferred supplier.

Pondera and the sustainable energy project tender

Pondera has significant experience in managing tenders for renewable energy projects involving wind energy, solar energy and/or geothermal energy. We are therefore well acquainted with all laws and regulations that a maintenance party and supplier manager must meet. In addition to the laws and regulations, you as the owner have the flexibility to determine the desired tasks of the maintenance or management party. Together with you, we can design contracts so that you can hand over the management and maintenance with confidence.

Do you want to ensure that the operation of your energy park is properly secured during the operational phase? We are happy to have a conversation with you about this, without obligation. We can then map out the wishes and requirements for the maintenance or management party.

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