Scottish Water is advancing its water filtration with a new £800M ceramic membrane framework.
- The initiative seeks strategic partners to construct innovative ceramic membrane plants across Scotland.
- This eight-year programme aims to enhance water filtration technologies through partnerships with skilled suppliers.
- The first phase involves the development of the Turriff Ceramic Membrane Water Treatment Works in Aberdeenshire.
- Success in early phases may lead to integration with future regulatory supply chain frameworks.
Scottish Water is setting the stage for a significant upgrade in its water treatment capabilities by introducing a cutting-edge ceramic membrane framework valued between £500M and £800M. As part of this forward-thinking initiative, the organisation is actively seeking strategic partners who can deliver state-of-the-art ceramic membrane plants throughout Scotland. This framework is poised to commence in 2025 and continue through 2033, with the potential for further extensions dependent on evolving business needs up until March 2039.
The adoption of ceramic membranes is part of a broader strategy to improve water filtration standards. This novel approach, seen as a leap forward within the sector, requires the involvement of suppliers specialising in mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, control, automation (MEICA), civil construction, and the provision of ceramic membrane products. Appointed suppliers must not only possess expertise across these domains but also demonstrate flexibility in acquiring additional competencies as needed. Furthermore, suppliers must have the capability to serve as both the principal contractor and principal designer to effectively meet the programme’s objectives.
The programme’s initial phase will focus on the creation, commissioning, and subsequent handover of the Turriff Ceramic Membrane Water Treatment Works, located in Aberdeenshire. This development marks a crucial starting point, with further phases potentially contingent on the success of procurement efforts during the Scottish Water’s SR27 regulatory period, spanning from 2027 to 2033. In this context, successful suppliers might see their commitments extend into the SR27 supply chain, should Scottish Water opt to pursue this route. Concepts such as design responsibility, enterprise objectives delivery, and forming a supportive supplier ecosystem are integral to these plans.
Moreover, Scottish Water mandates compliance with its specialised frameworks, which include infrastructure management, kits, civil materials, and hires. The strategic use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) standards is intended to facilitate the delivery of all capital investment projects under this framework. There is also a reserved right for Scottish Water to further augment its supply chain to align with the potential needs emerging within the SR33 period.
Scottish Water’s ceramic membrane project signifies a strategic leap in advancing water treatment efficiency in Scotland.
