See the notice on TED website
1. Buyer
1.1.
Buyer
Official name: MaresConnect Limited (MCL)
Activity of the contracting entity: Electricity-related activities
2. Procedure
2.1.
Procedure
Title: The MaresConnect 750MW HVDC Interconnector System
Description: The MaresConnect Project is a proposed 750 MW, 320 kV High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) electricity interconnector linking Denbighshire, Wales and North County Dublin, Ireland. Developed by MaresConnect Limited, a joint venture between Foresight Group Holdings Ltd and Etchea Energy Nominees Ltd, the project will transmit electricity via approximately 240 km of subsea and underground cables between new converter stations on each side. It aims to enhance security of supply, market integration, and renewable energy utilisation between the Irish and GB grids. MaresConnect shall utilise Voltage Source Converter (VSC) technology and the configuration shall be a Symmetrical Monopole. The rated DC voltage shall be +/-320 kV. The link shall be bi-directional and shall have a rated power (receiving end) of 750 MW. The project is being procured as separate EPC (Turnkey) contracts, divided into four lots: LOT 1A: EPC for two HVDC Converter Stations; LOT 1B: EPC for one Irish 400kV AC Tail Substation; LOT 2A: EPC for the HVDC subsea and underground cable system, and for the HVAC underground cable system in Wales (Bodelwyddan); LOT 2B: EPC for the supply and installation of HVAC cable system in Ireland (Dublin). The contract model for the lots will be amended FIDIC Conditions of Contract for EPC/Turnkey Projects (Silver Book). MaresConnect has conducted Preliminary Market Engagement prior to publication of this Contract Notice and encourages further collaboration between OEMs and Construction Contractors to establish bidding arrangements in time for the next step of the Procurement Process (notably the Pre-Qualification Questionnaire).
Procedure identifier: b2e4d9c7-5a31-4f86-8c0e-1a7b3d5e9f24
Type of procedure: Negotiated with prior publication of a call for competition / competitive with negotiation
The procedure is accelerated: no
2.1.1.
Purpose
Main nature of the contract: Works
Main classification (cpv): 45231400 Construction work for electricity power lines
2.1.2.
Place of performance
Country subdivision (NUTS): Dublin (IE061)
Country: Ireland
Additional information: North County Dublin, Ireland
2.1.2.
Place of performance
Country: United Kingdom
Additional information: Denbighshire, Wales, United Kingdom
2.1.3.
Value
Estimated value excluding VAT: 1 000 000 000,00 EUR
2.1.4.
General information
Additional information: Lot combinations: bidders for LOT 1A are also required to bid for LOT 1B, and bidders for LOT 1B are also required to bid for LOT 1A. Bidders for LOT 2A are also required to bid for LOT 2B, and bidders for LOT 2B are also required to bid for LOT 2A. The procurement process in respect of each of the Lots may result in a single contract being awarded to the successful contractor in that Lot (i.e. a single EPC contract which encompasses all elements of the project in that Lot). Alternatively, a number of different contracts may be awarded to the (same) successful contractor in the Lot, each covering a specific element(s) of the project. By way of example, in Lots 1A and 1B, the successful EPC contractor may be awarded a specific Long Term Service Agreement. Similarly, in Lots 2A and 2B, the successful EPC contractor may be awarded a specific Inspection, Maintenance and Repair Contract. In all of the Lots, the successful EPC contractor may be awarded a specific early works contract(s), which may for example encompass Front End Engineering Design and/or civil and structural enabling works. MCL is not a regulated utility for the purposes of Irish/UK/EU procurement law, and this procurement is therefore not subject to such rules. MCL intends to voluntarily follow Irish procurement rules in part but fully reserves its right to deviate from those rules. The publication of this notice does not make MCL and/or this procurement subject to any procurement rules. Form of Contract: The contracts to be awarded for all lots will be based on the FIDIC Conditions of Contract for EPC/Turnkey Projects, Second Edition 2017 (the 'Silver Book'). The FIDIC Silver Book will be amended and supplemented by Particular Conditions (specific to each lot), which are included in the procurement documents. Risk Allocation: Tenderers are explicitly advised that, in line with the EPC/Turnkey (FIDIC Silver Book) model, the successful contractor for each lot will assume full responsibility for the design and execution of their respective works. Requests to participate: a 'request to participate' is made by submitting a completed Pre-Qualification Questionnaire by the stated deadline. Variant tenders: Variant tenders may be submitted; however, this is at MCL's sole discretion and will only be permitted where the form and content of such variant tender has been agreed in principle with MCL in advance.
Legal basis:
Directive 2014/25/EU
2.1.5.
Terms of procurement
Terms of submission:
Maximum number of lots for which one tenderer can submit tenders: 4
2.1.6.
Grounds for exclusion
Sources of grounds for exclusion: Procurement Document
5. Lot
5.1.
Lot: LOT-0001
Title: LOT 1A: EPC for HVDC Converter Stations
Description: This lot is for the design, engineering, procurement, manufacturing, construction, installation, commissioning, and testing of two (2) 750 MW, 320 kV VSC-based HVDC converter stations, one at each end of the interconnector, and the grid connection. The LOT 1A scope includes all civil works, AC-side switchyards, and auxiliary systems on a fixed-price, lump-sum turnkey (EPC) basis. This lot also includes the maintenance, repair and spares management of the two converter stations which will be contracted under separate terms and conditions provided to candidates as part of the Procurement Process. (If applicable) separate agreements for the Early Works Contracts for FEED and Enabling Civil Works: FEED - tender design of the two (2) 750 MW, 320 kV VSC-based HVDC converter stations; Civil and structural Enabling Works.
Internal identifier: LOT 1A
5.1.1.
Purpose
Main nature of the contract: Works
Main classification (cpv): 45232221 Transformer substation
Additional classification (cpv): 31170000 Transformers, 45251110 Nuclear-power station construction work
5.1.2.
Place of performance
Country subdivision (NUTS): Dublin (IE061)
Country: Ireland
Additional information: Onshore site near a substation in the North Dublin Area, Ireland.
5.1.2.
Place of performance
Country: United Kingdom
Additional information: Onshore site near the substation at Bodelwyddan, Denbighshire, Wales.
5.1.3.
Estimated duration
Other duration: Unknown
5.1.4.
Renewal
Maximum renewals: 0
5.1.6.
General information
Reserved participation:
Participation is not reserved.
The names and professional qualifications of the staff assigned to perform the contract must be given: Not yet known
The procurement is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA): no
Additional information: Bidders for LOT 1A are also required to bid for LOT 1B.
5.1.9.
Selection criteria
Sources of selection criteria: Procurement Document
5.1.10.
Award criteria
Criterion:
Type: Quality
Description: Price is not the only award criterion and all criteria are stated in the Procurement Process documents.
5.1.11.
Procurement documents
5.1.12.
Terms of procurement
Terms of submission:
Electronic submission: Required
Languages in which tenders or requests to participate may be submitted: English
Electronic catalogue: Not allowed
Variants: Allowed
Deadline for receipt of requests to participate: 31/10/2026 12:00:00 (UTC+00:00) Western European Time, GMT
Terms of contract:
The execution of the contract must be performed within the framework of sheltered employment programmes: No
Conditions relating to the performance of the contract: The contract will be based on the FIDIC Conditions of Contract for EPC/Turnkey Projects, Second Edition 2017 (Silver Book), amended and supplemented by Particular Conditions specific to the lot, as included in the procurement documents.
Financial arrangement: As set out in the procurement documents (amended FIDIC Silver Book and Particular Conditions for the lot).
5.1.15.
Techniques
Framework agreement:
No framework agreement
Information about the dynamic purchasing system:
No dynamic purchase system
5.1.16.
Further information, mediation and review
Review organisation: High Court of Justice of England and Wales, Royal Courts of Justice
Organisation providing additional information about the procurement procedure: MaresConnect Limited (MCL)
Organisation providing more information on the review procedures: MaresConnect Limited (MCL)
5.1.
Lot: LOT-0002
Title: LOT 1B: EPC for Irish 400kV AC Tail Substation
Description: This lot is for the design, engineering, procurement, manufacturing, construction, installation, commissioning, and testing of one 400kV AC Tail Substation in Ireland, in the proximity of the Irish Converter Station. The LOT 1B scope includes a 400kV AC tail substation in the proximity of the converter station compound in Ireland. The scope includes all civil works, AC-side switchyards, and auxiliary systems on a fixed-price, lump-sum turnkey (EPC) basis. This lot also includes the maintenance, repair and spares management of the 400kV AC Tail Substation which will be contracted under separate terms and conditions provided to candidates as part of the Procurement Process. (If applicable) separate agreements for the Early Works Contracts for the FEED and Enabling Civil Works: FEED - tender design of the 400kV AC Tail Substation; Civil and structural Enabling Works.
Internal identifier: LOT 1B
5.1.1.
Purpose
Main nature of the contract: Works
Main classification (cpv): 45232220 Substation construction work
Additional classification (cpv): 31214000 Switchgear, 45232221 Transformer substation, 31170000 Transformers, 31682540 Substation equipment
5.1.2.
Place of performance
Country subdivision (NUTS): Dublin (IE061)
Country: Ireland
Additional information: Onshore site near a substation in the North Dublin Area, Ireland.
5.1.3.
Estimated duration
Other duration: Unknown
5.1.4.
Renewal
Maximum renewals: 0
5.1.6.
General information
Reserved participation:
Participation is not reserved.
The names and professional qualifications of the staff assigned to perform the contract must be given: Not yet known
The procurement is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA): no
Additional information: Bidders for LOT 1B are also required to bid for LOT 1A.
5.1.9.
Selection criteria
Sources of selection criteria: Procurement Document
5.1.10.
Award criteria
Criterion:
Type: Quality
Description: The most economically advantageous tender in terms of the criteria stated in the specifications, in the invitation to tender or to negotiate or in the descriptive document.
5.1.11.
Procurement documents
5.1.12.
Terms of procurement
Terms of submission:
Electronic submission: Required
Languages in which tenders or requests to participate may be submitted: English
Electronic catalogue: Not allowed
Variants: Allowed
Deadline for receipt of requests to participate: 31/10/2026 12:00:00 (UTC+00:00) Western European Time, GMT
Terms of contract:
The execution of the contract must be performed within the framework of sheltered employment programmes: No
Conditions relating to the performance of the contract: The contract will be based on the FIDIC Conditions of Contract for EPC/Turnkey Projects, Second Edition 2017 (Silver Book), amended and supplemented by Particular Conditions specific to the lot, as included in the procurement documents.
Financial arrangement: As set out in the procurement documents (amended FIDIC Silver Book and Particular Conditions for the lot).
5.1.15.
Techniques
Framework agreement:
No framework agreement
Information about the dynamic purchasing system:
No dynamic purchase system
5.1.16.
Further information, mediation and review
Review organisation: High Court of Justice of England and Wales, Royal Courts of Justice
Organisation providing additional information about the procurement procedure: MaresConnect Limited (MCL)
Organisation providing more information on the review procedures: MaresConnect Limited (MCL)
5.1.
Lot: LOT-0003
Title: LOT 2A: EPC for the HVDC Subsea and Underground Cable System, and for the associated HVAC Underground Cable System
Description: This lot is for the design, engineering, procurement, manufacturing, installation, commissioning, and testing of the 320 kV HVDC cable system (symmetrical monopole) and the 400 kV AC cable system for the GB grid connection works. The scope includes route survey, subsea installation, burial, landfall works (e.g., HDD), and underground cable installation to connect to the converter stations (GB and Ireland) and onto the HVAC transmission system connection point in GB. This lot also includes the inspection, maintenance, repair and spares management of the HVDC and HVAC cable systems which will be contracted under separate terms and conditions provided to candidates as part of the Procurement Process. The contract is on a fixed-price, lump-sum, turnkey (EPC) basis. (If applicable) separate agreements for the Early Works Contracts for the FEED and Enabling Civil Works: FEED - tender design of the cable system; Civil and structural Enabling Works for the cable system.
Internal identifier: LOT 2A
5.1.1.
Purpose
Main nature of the contract: Works
Main classification (cpv): 45314310 Installation of cable laying
Additional classification (cpv): 31320000 Power distribution cables
5.1.2.
Place of performance
Country subdivision (NUTS): Dublin (IE061)
Country: Ireland
Additional information: Underground HVDC cable route and underground HVAC cable route between the Converter Station in Ireland and a substation in the North Dublin Area, Ireland. In Ireland the HVDC Onshore Cable System is circa 10km to 26km and the HVAC Onshore Cable System is circa 2km.
5.1.2.
Place of performance
Country subdivision (NUTS): Extra-Regio NUTS 3 (IEZZZ)
Country: Ireland
Additional information: Subsea HVDC route (approx. 190 km) in the Irish Sea between landfalls in Ireland (near Dublin) and Wales (near Bodelwyddan).
5.1.2.
Place of performance
Country: United Kingdom
Additional information: Underground HVDC cable route and underground HVAC cable route between the Converter Station in Wales and the substation at Bodelwyddan, Denbighshire, Wales, and the UK sea area of the subsea route. In Wales the HVDC Onshore Cable System is circa 14km and the HVAC Onshore Cable System is circa 2km.
5.1.3.
Estimated duration
Other duration: Unknown
5.1.4.
Renewal
Maximum renewals: 0
5.1.6.
General information
Reserved participation:
Participation is not reserved.
The names and professional qualifications of the staff assigned to perform the contract must be given: Not yet known
The procurement is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA): no
Additional information: Bidders for LOT 2A are also required to bid for LOT 2B.
5.1.9.
Selection criteria
Sources of selection criteria: Procurement Document
5.1.10.
Award criteria
Criterion:
Type: Quality
Description: Price is not the only award criterion and all criteria are stated only in the procurement documents.
5.1.11.
Procurement documents
5.1.12.
Terms of procurement
Terms of submission:
Electronic submission: Required
Languages in which tenders or requests to participate may be submitted: English
Electronic catalogue: Not allowed
Variants: Allowed
Deadline for receipt of requests to participate: 31/10/2026 12:00:00 (UTC+00:00) Western European Time, GMT
Terms of contract:
The execution of the contract must be performed within the framework of sheltered employment programmes: No
Conditions relating to the performance of the contract: The contract will be based on the FIDIC Conditions of Contract for EPC/Turnkey Projects, Second Edition 2017 (Silver Book), amended and supplemented by Particular Conditions specific to the lot, as included in the procurement documents.
Financial arrangement: As set out in the procurement documents (amended FIDIC Silver Book and Particular Conditions for the lot).
5.1.15.
Techniques
Framework agreement:
No framework agreement
Information about the dynamic purchasing system:
No dynamic purchase system
5.1.16.
Further information, mediation and review
Review organisation: High Court of Justice of England and Wales, Royal Courts of Justice
Organisation providing additional information about the procurement procedure: MaresConnect Limited (MCL)
Organisation providing more information on the review procedures: MaresConnect Limited (MCL)
5.1.
Lot: LOT-0004
Title: LOT 2B: EPC for the HVAC underground cable system in Ireland (Dublin)
Description: This lot is for the design, engineering, procurement, manufacturing, installation, commissioning, and testing of the 400 kV AC cable systems to connect the converter station in Ireland to the transmission system connection point. This lot also includes the inspection, maintenance, repair and spares management of the HVAC cable systems which will be contracted under separate terms and conditions provided to candidates as part of the Procurement Process. In Ireland the HVAC Onshore Cable System is circa 2km. (If applicable) separate agreements for the Early Works Contracts for the FEED and Enabling Civil Works: FEED - tender design of the cable system; Civil and structural Enabling Works for the cable system.
Internal identifier: LOT 2B
5.1.1.
Purpose
Main nature of the contract: Works
Main classification (cpv): 45314310 Installation of cable laying
Additional classification (cpv): 31320000 Power distribution cables
5.1.2.
Place of performance
Country subdivision (NUTS): Dublin (IE061)
Country: Ireland
Additional information: HVAC underground cable route between the Converter Station in Ireland and the transmission system connection point, North Dublin Area, Ireland. In Ireland the HVAC Onshore Cable System is circa 2km.
5.1.3.
Estimated duration
Other duration: Unknown
5.1.4.
Renewal
Maximum renewals: 0
5.1.6.
General information
Reserved participation:
Participation is not reserved.
The names and professional qualifications of the staff assigned to perform the contract must be given: Not yet known
The procurement is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA): no
Additional information: Bidders for LOT 2B are also required to bid for LOT 2A.
5.1.9.
Selection criteria
Sources of selection criteria: Procurement Document
5.1.10.
Award criteria
Criterion:
Type: Quality
Description: Price is not the only award criterion and all criteria are stated only in the procurement documents.
5.1.11.
Procurement documents
5.1.12.
Terms of procurement
Terms of submission:
Electronic submission: Required
Languages in which tenders or requests to participate may be submitted: English
Electronic catalogue: Not allowed
Variants: Allowed
Deadline for receipt of requests to participate: 31/10/2026 12:00:00 (UTC+00:00) Western European Time, GMT
Terms of contract:
The execution of the contract must be performed within the framework of sheltered employment programmes: No
Conditions relating to the performance of the contract: The contract will be based on the FIDIC Conditions of Contract for EPC/Turnkey Projects, Second Edition 2017 (Silver Book), amended and supplemented by Particular Conditions specific to the lot, as included in the procurement documents.
Financial arrangement: As set out in the procurement documents (amended FIDIC Silver Book and Particular Conditions for the lot).
5.1.15.
Techniques
Framework agreement:
No framework agreement
Information about the dynamic purchasing system:
No dynamic purchase system
5.1.16.
Further information, mediation and review
Review organisation: High Court of Justice of England and Wales, Royal Courts of Justice
Organisation providing additional information about the procurement procedure: MaresConnect Limited (MCL)
Organisation providing more information on the review procedures: MaresConnect Limited (MCL)
8. Organisations
8.1.
ORG-0001
Official name: MaresConnect Limited (MCL)
Registration number: 605488
Postal address: The Victorians, 15-18 Earlsfort Terrace
Town: Dublin 2
Postcode: D02 YX28
Country subdivision (NUTS): Dublin (IE061)
Country: Ireland
Contact point: Joseph Moneley
Telephone: +353 83 835 2695
Roles of this organisation:
Buyer
Organisation providing additional information about the procurement procedure
Organisation providing more information on the review procedures
8.1.
ORG-0002
Official name: High Court of Justice of England and Wales, Royal Courts of Justice
Registration number: n/a
Postal address: Strand
Town: London
Postcode: WC2A 2LL
Country: United Kingdom
Telephone: +44 20 7947 6000
Roles of this organisation:
Review organisation
8.1.
ORG-0000
Official name: Publications Office of the European Union
Registration number: PUBL
Town: Luxembourg
Postcode: 2417
Country subdivision (NUTS): Luxembourg (LU000)
Country: Luxembourg
Telephone: +352 29291
Roles of this organisation:
TED eSender
Notice information
Notice identifier/version: c9a75c88-ce2f-4987-9959-0449fa532768 - 01
Form type: Competition
Notice type: Contract or concession notice – standard regime
Notice subtype: 17
Notice dispatch date: 28/09/2026 11:26:51 (UTC+00:00) Western European Time, GMT
Languages in which this notice is officially available: English
Notice publication number: 667588-2026
OJ S issue number: 188/2026
Publication date: 29/09/2026