Procurement processes

TenneT has subdivided its purchasing processes according to the type of product or service supplied: technical services and materials, technical installations, and company assets and services. Each type of product or service may be purchased either once or on a recurring basis (in the latter case, deliveries take place under a recognition arrangement).

Suppliers of technical services or materials

Technical services comprise all work performed on high‑voltage pylons, cables, lines and substations and the associated deliveries. Contractors, suppliers and their products must meet very stringent quality and safety requirements. When awarding contracts, TenneT makes use of recognition arrangements, framework agreements and separate European tendering procedures or limited submission procedures.

Suppliers of technical installations

Technical installations comprise all high‑voltage components and corresponding (low‑voltage) components for use in high‑voltage substations. In TenneT’s purchasing system, the supply of control, safety and measuring equipment and the provision of professional services by consulting agencies (e.g. high‑voltage engineering and physical planning) also fall under technical installations. Technical installations may be used to construct new substations, renovate or expand existing substations, or realise new connections.

Suppliers of company assets, facility services or ICT services

TenneT makes use of several supradepartmental company assets and services in order to provide facility and ICT services and to support staff departments. The key consideration in procuring these company assets and services is the realisation of synergy benefits. TenneT generally concludes framework agreements when purchasing these assets and services.

The overview 'Current (European) tenders' lists all current calls for tenders and existing recognition arrangements.