Comprehensive study on the need to update and enhance emergency and restoration activities and actors in view of the evolution of the power system

CINEA (European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency) invites tenders for a research consultancy service (CPV 73210000) to deliver a comprehensive study to update emergency and restoration practices for the evolving European power system. The contract has an estimated maximum value of €500,000, maximum duration 18 months, and will be awarded on a best price-quality ratio (price 30%, quality 70%). Scope covers mapping Member State practices and international best practice, identifying new system challenges from inverter-based resources and digitalisation, proposing technical and organisational solutions, estimating CAPEX/OPEX and life-cycle costs, and validating recommendations via two Brussels stakeholder workshops. Electronic submission via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal (eSubmission) is mandatory with deadline 12 May 2026 17:00 Europe/Brussels and applicants must meet specified technical, financial and team capacity requirements.

What is funded

Scope in one line

A CINEA-managed service contract to deliver a Europe-wide study identifying gaps and proposing services, tools and roadmaps to update emergency, defence, blackstart and restoration practices in transmission and distribution systems considering inverter-based resources, microgrids, digitalisation and AI.

Contracting authority:European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA).

Total budget (estimated):€500,000 ¹

Who can apply

Open to economic operators registered in the Participant Register (sole tenderer or consortium/group). Subcontracting allowed; identified subcontractors over 10% must be declared. Bidders must meet financial and detailed technical/professional capacity criteria (project references and named experts in project management, power systems, regulation, innovation and cost analysis).

How it will be procured and assessed

Open electronic procurement (eSubmission) managed via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal; contract awarded by best price-quality ratio (price 30%, quality 70%). Maximum duration 18 months; award by public opening and evaluation of technical proposal, team and financial offer.

Key deliverables and activities

1. 1Mapping and comparative analysis of Emergency & Restoration implementation across Member States and international best practice (Task 1).
2. 2Identification and simulation of new system challenges and failure modes (Task 2).
3. 3Catalogue and readiness assessment of technical and operational solutions, including blackstart, microgrids and smart load-shedding (Task 3).
4. 4Cost and lifecycle estimation for proposed measures (Task 4).
5. 5Recommendations and implementation roadmaps, plus two in-person Brussels workshops, final report, PowerPoint and two-page infographic (Task 5).

Important practical facts

Tenderers must submit all requested administrative, selection and technical documentation (Annexes provided). Minimum reference projects and expert CVs are mandatory in the technical offer; financial template (Annex 6) must be used for pricing. The contracting authority may request documentary evidence during evaluation.

Where to apply and read full documents:All procurement documents, templates and submission are on the Funding & Tenders Portal: F&T Portal tender page. See tender specifications and annexes for selection/eligibility details.

Footnotes

1. 1See the tender notice and financial tender form on the Funding & Tenders Portal for the official estimated contract value Tender documents.

Opportunity summary

The European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA) invites tenders for a single open-procedure service contract to deliver a comprehensive study assessing the need to update and enhance emergency and restoration activities and actors in view of the evolution of the power system. The objective is to propose services, tools and techniques to modernise grid operations and planning in emergency, blackout and restoration states, taking into account increased inverter-based resources, decentralisation, digitalisation and new threats. The contract is estimated at €500 000 (all-inclusive), maximum duration 18 months, award by best price-quality ratio. Electronic submission via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal/eSubmission is mandatory and tenderers must be registered in the Participant Register (PIC).

Key dates and procedural information

TED publication date:24 March 2026. Deadline for receipt of tenders: 12 May 2026, 17:00 Europe/Brussels. Public opening: 13 May 2026, 12:00 Europe/Brussels. Contract maximum duration: 18 months. Estimated total value: €500 000. Submission method: electronic via eSubmission; EU Login required. Contracting authority: CINEA, Chaussée de Wavre 910, B-1040 Brussels, Belgium.

Where to find the procurement documents:All procurement documents, tender specifications, Annexes and templates are published on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal opportunity page and must be consulted for detailed requirements Funding & Tenders Portal - Tender details. ¹

Scope of work and expected deliverables

The contractor will perform a structured study across five tasks culminating in deliverables and stakeholder workshops. The study shall examine EU implementation of the Emergency and Restoration Network Code, identify new system challenges, develop technical and organisational solutions, produce cost estimates and provide implementation roadmaps and recommendations supported by stakeholder consultation. The focus is on large interconnected synchronous areas (e.g., Continental Europe) while assessing scalability from smaller demonstrations.

Detailed tasks (summary)

1. 1Task 1: Mapping of existing practices and comparative analysis across all Member States and selected international examples (UK, US states, Australia, New Zealand, Japan). Produce mapping and best-practice identification.
2. 2Task 2: Identify new system challenges with evidence and scenario analysis (overvoltage, fast RoCoV, cyberattacks on IBR controls, solar storms/EMPs, new IBR-driven oscillation modes, low inertia, low short-circuit levels, DC/AC hybrid interactions).
3. 3Task 3: Develop and assess solutions (enhanced observability, forecasting, TSO-DSO coordination, adaptive protection, grid-forming inverter blackstart, microgrid protocols, selective/smart load-shedding, digital/AI tools, automation opportunities). Classify solutions by maturity (research, proof-of-concept, pilot, commercial).
4. 4Task 4: Estimate implementation and operational costs (CapEx and OpEx, life-cycle costing, modelling of manpower/equipment/testing and legacy integration).
5. 5Task 5: Produce recommendations and implementation roadmaps; organise two in-person Brussels workshops (researchers/innovators; operational stakeholders) with at least 40 participants each, plus bi-weekly online updates and transition/hand-over strategy.

Deliverables and schedule

Eligibility, consortium and applicant requirements

This is a public services tender published by a Union executive agency. Economic operators established in the scope of Union law and third-countries covered by procurement rules (see Participant Register guidance) may apply. Tenders can be submitted by a sole economic operator or by a group (joint tender). Subcontracting is permitted; identified subcontractors >10% or relied upon for selection criteria must be listed and provide commitment letters. If a joint tender is submitted, a group leader must be appointed and an Agreement/Power of attorney (Annex 3) signed by all group members. EU Login and PIC are mandatory for submission via eSubmission.

Eligible applicant types (categorisation):The tender accepts legal persons and natural persons eligible under Union procurement rules: consulting firms, research institutes, universities, large enterprises, SMEs, non-profits and NGOs with relevant capacity; consortia (public-private or multi-organisation) are allowed. Identified subcontractors and entities on whose capacity the tenderer relies are expressly provided for and require commitment letters and supporting evidence.

Selection and mandatory capacity requirements

Selection is based on exclusion criteria (Declaration on Honour, Annex 2), legal/financial ability, and technical & professional capacity. Key minimum capacity thresholds (consolidated assessment across tenderer and identified partners permitted):

1. 1Economic/financial: average annual turnover of last two closed financial years above €500 000 (consolidated).
2. 2Technical: Criterion T1 – at least 2 comparative-analysis projects in the energy sector (each ≥ €100 000) in the last six years.
3. 3Criterion T2 – at least 2 projects on large electrical systems and grid dynamics (each ≥ €200 000) in last six years.
4. 4Criterion T3 – at least 2 projects on innovative technology deployment preventing blackouts (each ≥ €200 000).
5. 5Criterion T4 – at least 2 projects on financial analysis and cost estimation for infrastructure/technology projects (each ≥ €150 000).
6. 6Criterion T5 – at least 2 projects on strategic planning/project management including roadmaps and stakeholder workshops (each ≥ €150 000) in last three years.

Professional profiles required and minimum experience (provide CVs and evidence):one project manager (≥ 6 years project management, experience with projects ≥ €400 000 and coverage of ≥ 5 countries and team of ≥ 5 people), language quality check (at least Project Manager + one other with English C2 or native level and documented editing experience), electricity regulatory expert (≥ 6 years), power systems engineering expert (≥ 6 years), energy innovation expert (≥ 6 years), cost-analysis expert (degree or ≥ 6 years). All P1–P6 evidence must be provided with the tender.

Award, evaluation and budget

Award method:best price-quality ratio. Total estimated contract value: €500 000 (all-inclusive). Award weighting: Price 30%, Quality 70%. Quality scored out of 100 (methodology, organisation and resources, quality control measures). Minimum quality thresholds: at least 50% per sub-criterion and 60% overall to be considered. Assessment includes administrative compliance, exclusion checks, selection criteria and minimum requirements. Financial offer submitted in Annex 6 template with task-level breakdown. Payments: two interim payments (30% each) and final balance payment; standard 60-day payment term after invoice receipt and approval; no pre-financing.

Funding type:This is a procurement/service contract (tender) funded from EU budget managed by CINEA. It is not a grant, loan or equity facility.

Administrative, contractual and procedural details

Submission is electronic only through eSubmission on the Funding & Tenders Portal. EU Login account and PIC required. Tender documents must be in one of the EU official languages; English is the published authentic text. Tenders must include Declaration on Honour (Annex 2), Annex 2.1 technical & professional capacity form, List of subcontractors (Annex 4) where required, commitment letters (Annex 5.1 / 5.2), Financial offer (Annex 6). Additional Q&A are submitted via the portal; contracting authority is not bound to answer questions submitted after 04 May 2026 23:59 Europe/Brussels. The contracting authority may request supporting evidence at any time (legal existence, financial records, references).

1. 1Submission portal (eSubmission) URL is provided on opportunity page; use latest Chrome or Firefox as recommended.
2. 2Maximum number of uploaded files per tender: 200; individual attachments must be < 50 MB unless otherwise stated in portal system requirements.
3. 3All templates (Annexes 1–6) published on the portal must be used where indicated; financial offer must use Annex 6 spreadsheet.
4. 4Original hand-signed documents are not required when QES (qualified electronic signature) is used; delegation evidence for signatory must be attached.
5. 5Public opening attendance: maximum of two representatives per tender; request to attend must be emailed to cinea-procurement@ec.europa.eu no later than 3 hours before scheduled opening.

Geographic and legal scope

Beneficiary scope:entities established within the scope of the EU Treaties and other legal entities eligible under Union public procurement rules (see Participant Register guidance). The contracting authority is an EU agency (CINEA) based in Brussels; applicable law: Union law complemented by Belgian law where necessary; disputes: courts of Brussels. The study primarily targets EU Member States and the Continental Europe synchronous area, but includes comparative international examples (UK, US, Australia, New Zealand, Japan) for best-practice analysis.

Target sector and technical focus

Target sector:energy, power systems and grid operations. Thematic focus: emergency and restoration of electricity systems, black-start capabilities, grid-forming inverters, microgrids, TSO-DSO coordination, observability and forecasting, adaptive protection, system strength, inertia and short-circuit level implications, HVDC and DC lines during emergencies, cybersecurity for inverter control, and digital/AI-enabled decision-support and automation tools.

Project maturity and expected outputs

Project stage:analysis/assessment, research synthesis and policy/operational recommendations aiming at validation and demonstration readiness. Outputs include mapping, scenario analysis, technical solution assessment, readiness classification (research → PoC → pilot → commercial), cost estimates, implementation roadmaps, verification and testing procedures, stakeholder consultation outcomes, and publishable executive summary for Commission use.

Application process, stages and success likelihood

Application type:single-stage open call (submit full technical and financial tender via eSubmission before the deadline). The procurement evaluation sequence: administrative compliance → exclusion (Declaration on Honour) → selection (financial, technical) → minimum requirements check → award evaluation (quality + price). Number of formal application stages for applicants: 1 major submission stage; internal evaluation stages by contracting authority include multiple review steps. Success rates are not published; typical EU service tenders of this nature are competitive and success depends on meeting strict selection thresholds, strong prior project references, team CVs matching P1–P6, and a high-quality methodology and price.

Co-funding requirement:No co-funding is required from applicants; the contracting authority pays under the service contract as specified. The financial offer must be all-inclusive and VAT treatment must follow the rules in the draft contract; VAT is generally exempt for Union institutions when applicable.

Templates and application documentation

Applicants must complete and submit the following templates available in the tender dossier on the portal: Invitation to tender, Tender specifications (TS Emergency Restoration in Power Systems), Annex 1 List of documents, Annex 2 Declaration on Honour (exclusion & selection), Annex 2.1 Technical & Professional capacity (section T and P criteria with months of specific experience and project references), Annex 3 Agreement/Power of attorney (for joint tenders), Annex 4 List of subcontractors, Annex 5.1/5.2 Commitment letters, Annex 6 Financial tender (Excel price breakdown by Task). A Word standard template for final reports will be provided after contract signature. All deliverables must follow Commission visual identity and accessibility rules.

Security, confidentiality and data protection

Contract performance requires compliance with CINEA security requirements (draft contract appendices). The contractor must respect confidentiality clauses, safeguard personal data in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2018/1725 and Regulation (EU) 2016/679 where applicable, and host any platforms or personal-data-holding systems within the EU/EEA unless otherwise agreed. The draft service contract includes confidentiality, IP and data protection obligations and rights of audits and checks by Commission bodies, Court of Auditors and EPPO.

Risks, exclusions and grounds for rejection

Tenders will be rejected if exclusion criteria apply (bankruptcy, fraud, corruption, grave professional misconduct, proven irregularities), or if minimum selection criteria are not met. The contracting authority may reject abnormally low tenders. Entities subject to EU restrictive measures are excluded. Professional conflicting interests that may affect impartial performance must be declared and mitigated.

How to prepare a competitive tender (practical checklist)

1. 1Register the organisation in the Participant Register to obtain a PIC and ensure PIC and SME status are up-to-date prior to submission.
2. 2Download and thoroughly use all tender annex templates (Annex 2, 2.1, 3, 4, 5.1/5.2, 6) and follow formatting and file-naming guidance in eSubmission System Requirements.
3. 3Assemble a consortium only if necessary to meet minimum capacity thresholds; prepare Agreement/Power of Attorney (Annex 3) and Annex 4 list of subcontractors where applicable.
4. 4Provide detailed evidence for T1–T5 project references and P1–P6 expert CVs, including months of experience and project value breakdowns as requested.
5. 5Prepare a clear, structured methodology with task-level resource allocation, risk mitigation, data sources, simulation/assessment tools and approach to workshops and stakeholder engagement.
6. 6Complete financial tender Annex 6 with task-level breakdown (all-inclusive), check calculations and ensure prices do not exceed the €500 000 ceiling.
7. 7Ensure compliance with data protection, confidentiality and IP rules; list pre-existing rights and provide Annex III declarations where applicable.
8. 8Upload all required documents to eSubmission before the deadline; test uploads early and allow time for system issues. Keep originals of signed documents and evidence accessible in case requested by contracting authority or validation services.

Mentioned countries and geographic focus

Explicitly mentioned geographic scope in the tender:EU Member States and the Continental Europe synchronous area. International best-practice review will include the United Kingdom, United States (state-level where relevant), Australia, New Zealand and Japan.

Final summary: what is this opportunity about and how to explain it?

This procurement commissions a strategic, technical and economic study to help the European Commission and CINEA update emergency and restoration frameworks for a rapidly evolving electricity system dominated increasingly by inverter-based resources, decentralised generation, digitalisation and new threats. The contractor must map existing EU implementation of Network Code on emergency and restoration, identify gaps and new system challenges, propose technical and organisational solutions (including black-start via grid-forming inverters, microgrids, adaptive protection, TSO-DSO coordination, advanced observability and AI-enabled tools), estimate costs, and produce implementable roadmaps validated through stakeholder workshops. The contract is a single open tender (service contract) with an estimated value of €500 000 and an 18-month maximum duration. Prospective bidders must demonstrate strong comparative analysis experience, power system dynamics capability, innovation deployment experience, financial cost-estimation skills and project management capacity, and submit a single consolidated tender via the eSubmission system following the annex templates and rules in the tender dossier. This procurement is focused on producing actionable recommendations for regulatory updates, verification and testing procedures, and prioritised investments and pilot paths to reduce the risk of total blackouts and enable faster, safer restoration in a decarbonised power system.

Footnotes

1. 1Portal opportunity page and submission details including Annexes and templates are available at the Funding & Tenders Portal opportunity page: ec.europa.eu

This is an open procedure call for tenders launched by the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA) for research consultancy services (CPV 73210000) under Horizon Europe Work Programme 2026-2027. The study aims to enhance the resilience of the European electricity system in the decarbonised era by assessing needs to update grid management during emergencies, proposing modern services, tools, and techniques to prevent blackouts and enable swift restoration. Key focus areas include grid observability, early warning systems, blackstart protocols using grid-forming inverters, microgrids, digitalisation, and AI.

Key Dates and Deadlines

• TED Publication Date: 24 March 2026
• Deadline for Questions: 4 May 2026 23:59 Europe/Brussels
• Tender Submission Deadline: 12 May 2026 17:00 Europe/Brussels
• Public Opening: 13 May 2026 12:00 Europe/Brussels
• Maximum Contract Duration: 18 months

Contract Value and Award Criteria

Estimated total value:€500,000 (maximum budget). Award method: best price-quality ratio with Price (30%) and Quality (70%). Quality sub-criteria: Methodology (50 points, min 25), Organisation of work/resources (30 points, min 15), Quality control (20 points, min 10). Minimum thresholds: 50% per criterion, 60% total quality score.

Scope of Work

The study addresses challenges from changing generation mix (e.g., inverter-based renewables, HVDC, data centres), reduced inertia, digitalisation, and sector integration. It builds on Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/2196 (Emergency and Restoration Network Code) and related codes.

Five Main Tasks

1. 1Task 1: Mapping existing EU Member State practices and comparative analysis, including international best practices (UK, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Japan). Deliverable: Interim Progress Report Part I (Month 6).
2. 2Task 2: Identify new system challenges (e.g., overvoltage, cyber threats, IBR oscillations).
3. 3Task 3: Develop solutions (e.g., smart load-shedding, adaptive protection, automation).
4. 4Task 4: Estimate implementation/operational costs (CAPEX/OPEX, life-cycle analysis). Deliverable: Interim Progress Report Part II (Month 13).
5. 5Task 5: Recommendations and roadmaps via stakeholder workshops (2 in Brussels, min 40 participants each), ECG feedback, surveys. Organise Workshop I (Month 12, researchers/innovators) and Workshop II (Month 14, regulators/TSOs/DSOs).

Deliverables and Timetable

Meetings:Inception (T0+15 days), Progress I/II, 2 Workshops (contractor covers logistics/catering), Final (Month 17), bi-weekly online updates. All in Brussels (venue free if EC premises).

Eligibility and Who Can Apply

Open to natural/legal persons within EU Treaties scope, international organisations, and third countries with procurement agreements (e.g., EEA, SAA countries). No GPA applicability. Joint tenders/subcontracting allowed; PIC registration required via Participant Register. Exclusion for restrictive measures, bankruptcy, fraud, etc. (Declaration on Honour, Annex 2).

Selection Criteria (Technical/Professional Capacity)

Tender-Level (Consolidated, Last 6 Years Unless Noted)

• T1: Comparative analysis (energy sector, grid ops/emergency): 2 projects >= €100K each.
• T2: Large electrical systems/grid dynamics: 2 projects >= €200K each.
• T3: Innovative tech/blackout prevention: 2 projects >= €200K each.
• T4: Financial/cost analysis: 2 projects >= €150K each.
• T5: Strategic planning/project mgmt (last 3 years): 2 projects >= €150K each.

Team Profiles (CVs + Evidence Required with Tender, Annex 2.1)

• P1: Project Manager (6+ yrs, multi-country exp, team mgmt, roadmaps/stakeholder engagement).
• P2: Language experts (2 team members: C2 English + Word formatting; 3x 10-page English docs).
• P3: Electricity Regulatory Expert (6+ yrs, network codes/TSO-DSO, Task 5 lead).
• P4: Power Systems Engineering Expert (6+ yrs, dynamics/modelling, Task 2 lead).
• P5: Energy Innovation Expert (6+ yrs, digitalisation/AI/smart grids, Task 3 lead).
• P6: Cost-Analysis Expert (degree/6+ yrs, CAPEX/OPEX, Task 4 lead).

Economic/Financial:Average turnover last 2 yrs >= €500K (upon request). Evidence: Annex 2.1 lists/projects/CVs submitted with tender.

Submission Requirements

1. 1Electronic via eSubmission (EU Login/PIC required).
2. 2Documents: Declaration on Honour (Annex 2), Power of Attorney (joints, Annex 3), Subcontractor List (Annex 4), Commitment Letters (Annexes 5.1/5.2), Technical/Financial Tenders, Annex 2.1 Capacity.
3. 3Financial: Annex 6 form (all-inclusive, task subtotals). Max 200 files, <50MB each.
4. 4Portal: EU Funding & Tenders Portal

Additional Applicant Considerations

IP Rights:Union owns results; pre-existing rights licensed royalty-free (list with final invoice, Annex III). No variants allowed.

Data Protection/Security:Strict GDPR compliance (Reg 2018/1725); personal data in EU/EEA only. Security per Appendices 2/3.

Workshops/Events:Contractor organises 2 Brussels workshops (min 40 participants, propose invitees); covers logistics/catering (venue free if EC). Sustainable practices encouraged.

Tender specs emphasise EU-wide focus (Continental Europe Synchronous Area), stakeholder input (TSOs/DSOs/ACER/ENTSO-E/regulators), scalability of solutions. Detailed tender specs: Tender Specifications. All docs: Portal Documents. TED Notice: TED 202632-2026.

Footnotes

1. 1Primary source: EU Funding & Tenders Portal tender page and documents. Dates/amounts per official metadata.