Open call for a consultant for the “RePower the Regions” project

Background 

This consultancy is part of a CEE Bankwatch Network project through the EU’s Life program, called “RePower the Regions.” The project aims to increase capacity and planning of the decarbonisation in just transition regions (for more info on just transition regions, please see this website).  

We intend to ensure that the EU’s Just Transition and Cohesion Funds are used to tackle the climate crisis with improved measures contributing to saving energy, switching to renewables and ensuring that communities and citizens are involved in planning these investments.  

We have also been among the first NGO actors to look deeply at decarbonising district heating. For instance, in the Upper Nitra region of Slovakia, we have been advocating for renewable alternatives for their district heating (fourth-generation district heating), currently supplied by a coal-based heat and power cogeneration plant. We have expanded this work to now include other municipalities such as Partizanske, Slovakia, and Pernik, Bulgaria. This has ranged from advocacy towards local, national and European decision makers, to working with researchers on decarbonisation strategies, to participating in planning processes. 

Subject of the proposal 

The consultants / expert organisation will assist Bankwatch staff and partner group staff in the implementation of the tasks in the Life RePower the Regions project. Specifically, the work will be divided into 3 tasks:  

Task 1: The consultant will support Bankwatch’s international and national just transition campaigners with quality assurance and guidance on the national research carried out in 2 countries on local/regional district heating decarbonisation plans, namely: 

1. Technical analysis on sustainable heating solutions in Tserkva neighbourhood of Pernik, BG (ToR here) 
2. Technical analysis (ToR included) & Social Research on sustainable heating solutions in Partizánske, SK (ToR included) 

Task 2: The consultant will develop a methodology for sustainable and just local heating and cooling planning on the municipal level with a focus on district heating decarbonisation (following the provisions of the Energy Efficiency Directive art 25, p.6). 

Task 3: The consultant will develop training materials on the provisions for a) heating and cooling decarbonisation in district heating in the Fit for 55% Legislative Package and RepowerEU Regulation. b) on sustainable and just local heating and cooling planning methodology (task 2) 

All outputs should be delivered in English. 

Activities & Workload 

Task 1) Peer review of delivered research in Bulgaria and Slovakia (estimated time-allocation: 2-3 days) 

1. Review of the first draft of the national consultant reports with written comments & call with Bankwatch & member group staff. Indicative timelines: 
2. 1/06-07/06 for Slovakia (two analyses) 
3. 12/08-15/09 for Bulgaria (one analysis) 
4. Review the second draft reports of the national consultant with written comments & call with Bankwatch & member group staff. Indicative timelines: 
5. 15/06-24/06 for Slovakia analyses 
6. 01/10 – 15/10 for Bulgaria analysis 

Task 2) Development of a methodology for sustainable and just local heating and cooling planning (period March-April) (estimated time-allocation – 20 days). The consultant will be expected to: 

1. Provide an overview and analysis of existing materials that provide guidance for heating and cooling decarbonisation planning at the municipal (local) or regional level, also incorporating research done previously by Bankwatch on district heating such as analyses in Upper Nitra (SK), Ida Viruma (EST) and Motru (RO) which will be provided to the consultant by Bankwatch in an attachment. The overview and analyses should include at least the following elements, with the structure being approved by Bankwatch before proceeding to task 2.2.: 
2. Executive summary 
3. Overview of available materials 
4. Advantages and disadvantages of the different approaches  
5. Recommendations for the structure of the methodology for sustainable and just local heating and cooling planning.  
6. Develop a proposal for a methodology for planning heating and cooling decarbonisation with a specific focus on district heating in Just Transition regions, in consultation with Bankwatch staff, that avoids problematic technologies such as biomass, waste incineration or fossil-fuel-based waste heat. Finalise the methodology based on the comments from Bankwatch staff. The methodology should include at least the following elements: 
7. Executive summary 
8. Introduction 
9. Overview and analysis from task 2.1 
10. Structure as developed in consultation with Bankwatch 
11. Present the proposed methodology to experts from non-governmental organisations, universities and practitioners in a webinar organised by CEE Bankwatch Network and collect feedback on the proposal.  

Task 3) Prepare training and training materials (period April -May) (estimated time-allocation – 2 days) 

1. Prepare a presentation about EU legislation requirements for local level district heating and cooling decarbonisation (REPowerEU, REDII, EED Regulation etc.) with consultation of Bankwatch staff. 

1. Deliver an online training workshop to Bankwatch campaigners on the EU legislation requirements and the role of the local authorities in the development of district heating decarbonisation plans, 1-2 hours.  

1. Prepare a presentation about a methodology for planning heating and cooling decarbonisation with a specific focus on district heating in Just Transition regions based on task 2 with consultation of, specifically aimed at training Bankwatch staff. 

1. Deliver an online training to Bankwatch campaigners on the Methodology, 1-2 hours.  

Timeline 

Budget 

The budget for the 3 tasks is EUR 12 000 (including VAT).  

Eligibility 

Individual expert, non governmental organisations or research institutes are eligible to implement the work which can issue an invoice; 

They must have at least 5 years of experience in heating and cooling planning at the local/regional level. 

How to apply 

Applicants should send their applications by 31 March to morgan.henley@bankwatch.org. 

The offer must contain:    

• Cover letter or proposal with methodology, timeline, etc. and financial offer; examples of previous work; 

Applicants will be excluded from participating in a procurement procedure if:     

• they are bankrupt or being wound up, are having their affairs administered by the courts, have entered into an arrangement with creditors, have suspended business activities, are the subject of proceedings concerning those matters, or are in any analogous situation arising from a similar procedure provided for in national legislation or regulations;     
• they have been convicted of an offence concerning their professional conduct by a judgment which has the force of res judicata;     
• they have been guilty of grave professional misconduct proven by any justifiable means;     
• they have not fulfilled obligations relating to the payment of social security contributions or the payment of taxes in accordance with the legal provisions of the country in which they are established or with those of the country where the contract is to be performed;     
• they have been the subject of a judgment which has the force of res judicata for fraud, corruption, involvement in a criminal organisation or any other illegal activity detrimental to the Communities’ financial interests;     
• are currently subject to an administrative penalty referred to in section 2.3.5 of the Practical Guide to contract procedures for EC external actions 

Selection 

Applicants will be selected on the basis of their previous experience on the topic verified by the CV of the consultants and references, as well as the relevance of their technical and financial proposal.