A call has gone out for suppliers with capacity to develop and deliver a major new reservoir in Oxfordshire, valued at £2.2 billion.
Thames Water (TW) is alerting potential suppliers and investors to the next stage of its market engagement programme for the proposed South East Strategic Reservoir Option (SESRO).
The reservoir, designated a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP), will have a surface area of approximately 7 sq km and capacity of up to 150 million cubic meters.
When operational, it could be the source supply of water for around 15 million Thames Water, Southern Water and Affinity Water customers across the region.
The early market engagement aims to update contractors and investors on the development, including Thames Water’s commercial and procurement strategies for two large-scale future opportunities:
- Infrastructure Provider (IP): Responsible for taking forward the design, building, and financing of most assets within the SESRO project.
- Main Works Contractor (MWC): To construct and commission assets under a target price contract, working initially with TW and then the IP once the IP contract is awarded.
The consultation is also a chance to shape the market and encourage cross-party conversations that align the project to market trends, considering both contractor and investor perspectives.
The reservoir is expected to be operational by 2040.
“We are excited to kick-start the year by getting the next stage of market engagement for our proposed reservoir underway,” said Mohit Farmah, head of procurement and supply chain.
“Contractors and investors have a crucial role to play in informing our approach and helping drive this vital project forward.
“We have been encouraged by the level of interest the market has shown to date.
“I encourage all interested parties to register their interest to engage with us and shape the future of this vital project, including our spring market engagement event on Monday 17 March.”
How to register
Registration for the SESRO spring market engagement event on 17 March 2025, will close on 24 January 2025.
For more information, click here.
Please contact Thames Water directly with any questions: marketengagement.sesro@thameswater.co.uk
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