Bristol has opened the procurement process for Bristol City Leap, a plan to attract £1 billion of investment to deliver a zero-carbon, smart energy city by 2030.

It has now kicked off the procurement process (likely to last several months) for a joint venture partner to join Bristol City Council and Bristol Energy, the city’s energy company, in delivering the project.

Plans for the project were agreed by the city council in April and it has attracted interest from 180 local, national and international organisations, including technology firms, investors, community organisations as well as innovative energy and infrastructure developers. 

The council said over £50 million has been invested in Bristol’s low-carbon and renewable projects since 2012.

As a formal part of City Leap, Bristol Energy will deliver smart energy propositions, such as local tariffs and innovative services, designed to cut carbon and reduce peak energy demand.  In return, the utility will benefit from external investment, significantly reducing its reliance on council funding. Managing director Marek Majewicz, said: “City Leap will help us deliver a sustainable energy company with social value at its heart. From community heat networks, to energy innovation in social housing, the substantial investment from the partnership will enable everyone in Bristol to benefit from low carbon, renewable energy projects.

Organisations interested in bidding can find more information on the council’s Energy Service website:www.energyservicebristol.co.uk.

Further reading

From New Power Report: UK100 and the zero carbon approach in local authorities

Bristol Energy signs new deal with Thrive

Bristol City Council gives go-ahead to low-carbon city plan

From New Power Report: what’s the direction of travel on heat?

Bristol Energy joins Energy Systems Catapult to offer ‘heat as a service’