Following a ten week programme of site investigation fieldwork this summer, client Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) has received two bids for the Glendoe hydropower scheme in the Scottish highlands.
T&TI was told that tenders were submitted by two groups for the scheme that includes 17km of hard rock tunnels. Morgan Est and Skanska head one group, whilst the other bidder is Hochtief with support from Electrowatt Infra, according to Mike Seaton, SSE’s project manager.
With bids only just being submitted and the evaluation process at an early stage, Seaton could not disclose many details, although he told T&TI the value of the bids was “pretty much” in line with SSE’s expectations.
Fugro Engineering Services Ltd (FES) undertook the ground investigation works for SSE this summer.
Dam foundation investigation involved boreholes being drilled to depths of 50m, whereas the investigations along the tunnel alignments necessitated vertical and inclined boreholes being drilled to a depth of 350m.
The bid documents for the scheme feature a Geological Baseline Report (GBR) that subsequently is incorporated in the contract documents. Seaton said SSE felt it was a fair way of sharing the ground risk between the client and successful contractor, adding that the intention was to head off as many disputes as possible.
Currently it is hoped that the contract award will take place soon, possibly in the new year.
