The city of Bristol in the UK has launched a tender in search for a partner to deliver UK’s first carbon-neutral city. Bristol City Leap, a project to deliver a zero-carbon, smart energy city by 2030, has launched a global search to deliver up to GBP 1 billion (USD 1.23) of investment and provide significant economic benefits for the people of Bristol and its businesses. The total value of the project is estimated at GBP 12 billion (USD 14.84 billion).

Led by Bristol City Council and Bristol Energy, the city’s energy company, City Leap will establish a joint venture with another organisation or group of organisations.

Marvin Rees, Mayor of Bristol said: "City Leap is a world first. We are creating a decarbonised local energy system that Bristol can be proud of. City Leap is leading the way on carbon reduction, while at the same time addressing important social and economic challenges."

Following its unveiling last year, City Leap quickly attracted interest from over 180 local, national and international organisations, including technology firms, investors, community organisations as well as innovative energy and infrastructure developers. The procurement process will now run for a number of months.

Bristol Energy will have a key role in City Leap. As a formal part of the joint venture, the utility 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, while ensuring important social value continues to be delivered to local people.

As part of its role in the City Leap Energy Partnership, in addition to providing finance and investment for the City Leap opportunity, the strategic partner will be expected to provide commercial support and technical expertise to assist with the origination, development, delivery, and facilitation of low carbon energy-related assets and services. It is anticipated that these services may be provided to public bodies other than the Council across the South West region.

The deadline for the submission of applications for the tender is October 28, 2019.