Energinet Awards €4.08 Million GIS Substation Contract to Hitachi Energy

Energinet Eltransmission A/S has awarded a €4.08 million contract to Hitachi Energy Denmark A/S for the supply of a 145 kV Gas-Insulated Switchgear (GIS) substation for Ølstykke. The contract covers a complete GIS with alternative gas, double busbar configuration, including 2 line-feeder bays, 2 transformer bays, 1 busbar coupler bay, and 2 metering bays.

Introduction

Reliable and efficient electrical transmission infrastructure is essential for Denmark's energy system. Energinet, the Danish transmission system operator, is investing in substation upgrades to support the country's electricity grid.

Energinet has awarded a €4.08 million contract to Hitachi Energy Denmark A/S for the supply of a 145 kV Gas-Insulated Switchgear (GIS) substation for the Ølstykke substation. The contract covers a complete GIS with alternative gas, double busbar configuration, including 2 line-feeder bays, 2 transformer bays, 1 busbar coupler bay, and 2 metering bays.

This investment ensures the reliability and capacity of the electricity transmission network in the Nordsjælland region.

Why This Contract Matters

Gas-insulated switchgear is critical for reliable electricity transmission, providing compact, safe, and maintenance-efficient solutions for substations. This investment supports Denmark's energy infrastructure.

This contract matters because it:

• Supports grid reliability: Upgrades the Ølstykke substation with modern GIS technology
• Alternative gas: Uses environmentally friendly alternative gas instead of SF6
• Significant investment: €4.08 million contract
• Quality-focused: Quality weighting of 70% (Technical solution 60%, HSE 5%, Cyber Security 5%)
• Specialist supplier: Hitachi Energy is a global leader in GIS technology
• Competitive process: Negotiated procedure with two bids received
• Denmark-based supplier: Hitachi Energy Denmark A/S

Contract Timeline

• Contract award notice published: 14 August 2026 (OJ S 156/2026)
• Contract concluded: 10 August 2026
• Coverage start date: 10 August 2026
• Coverage end date: 15 January 2029

Contract Overview

Energinet conducted a negotiated procedure with prior publication (competitive with negotiation) for this procurement. The contract covers the supply of a 145 kV GIS substation for the Ølstykke site.

Key features include:

• Single lot: 145 kV GIS substation
• Duration: 10 August 2026 – 15 January 2029
• Value: €4,084,300.00
• Evaluation: Quality (70%) and Price (30%)
• Quality criteria: Technical solution (60%), Health, Safety and Environment (5%), Cyber Security (5%)
• Winner: Hitachi Energy Denmark A/S
• Bids: 2 tenders received

Key Contract Details

Detail	Information
Contracting authority	Energinet Eltransmission A/S
Winning bidder	Hitachi Energy Denmark A/S
Contract subject	145 kV GIS substation (CPV 31000000)
Procedure type	Negotiated with prior publication / Competitive with negotiation
Legal basis	EU Directive 2014/25/EU
Awarded value (EUR)	€4,084,300.00
Contract duration	10 Aug 2026 – 15 Jan 2029
Bids received	2
EU funding	None
Covered by GPA	Yes
Evaluation criteria	Technical solution (60%), Price (30%), HSE (5%), Cyber Security (5%)
Subcontracting	No
Location	Ølstykke, Nordsjælland, Denmark

Project Scope

The contract covers the supply of a 145 kV Gas-Insulated Switchgear (GIS) substation for the Ølstykke substation.

GIS Substation Configuration

• Type: 3 phase, 145 kV, 50 Hz, Gas-Insulated Switchgear (GIS)
• Gas: Alternative gas (environmentally friendly alternative to SF6)
• Busbar: Double busbar configuration
• Bays:
  • 2 x line-feeder bays
  • 2 x transformer bays
  • 1 x busbar coupler bay
  • 2 x metering bays
• Delivery: Ready for operation at Energinet's site
• Installation: In a new building at the Ølstykke site

Evaluation Criteria

• Technical solution (60%): Detailed technical description, maintenance, project-specific methods, testing, documentation
• Price (30%): Total cost evaluation
• Health, Safety and Environment (5%): HSE setup, RAMS, risk assessments, method statements
• Cyber Security (5%): Cyber security solution description, compliance with Energinet's cyber security requirements

About the Contracting Authority

Energinet Eltransmission A/S is a subsidiary of Energinet, the Danish transmission system operator for electricity. Energinet is responsible for operating and developing Denmark's electricity transmission grid, ensuring reliable and efficient power supply across the country.

About the Winning Company

Hitachi Energy Denmark A/S is the Danish subsidiary of Hitachi Energy, a global leader in power grids and energy technology. Hitachi Energy is a world-leading provider of gas-insulated switchgear (GIS), transformers, and other transmission and distribution equipment. The company's GIS technology is used in substations worldwide. Hitachi Energy Denmark's winning bid of €4,084,300 was the lowest of two tenders received.

Procurement Analysis

• Procedure: A negotiated procedure with prior publication (competitive with negotiation) was used, reflecting the specialist nature of GIS substation supply.
• Competition: Two bids were received, representing a competitive field for a specialist high-voltage equipment procurement.
• Evaluation criteria: Quality (70%) and Price (30%). The heavy weighting on quality reflects the importance of technical performance, reliability, and safety.
• Quality criteria: Technical solution (60%), HSE (5%), Cyber Security (5%).
• Value for money: The winning bid (€4.08 million) was significantly below the highest bid (€4.73 million), a saving of approximately 14%.
• Alternative gas: The use of alternative gas instead of SF6 reflects environmental considerations.
• No subcontracting: Hitachi Energy will deliver without subcontracting.

Additional Procurement Facts

• The contract is covered by the WTO's Government Procurement Agreement (GPA).
• No EU funds were used for this procurement.
• The procurement was not accelerated.
• No dynamic purchasing system was used.
• No framework agreement was used—this is a direct supply contract.
• Two bids were received.
• No subcontracting was declared by the winner.
• Disputes or review requests fall to Klagenævnet for Udbud.
• The contract includes alternative gas (non-SF6) GIS technology.

Market & Industry Perspective

The market for high-voltage GIS substations is dominated by a few global players, including Hitachi Energy, Siemens Energy, and GE Grid Solutions. These systems are highly specialised and represent significant investments for grid operators.

Key trends in this market include:

• Alternative gases: Phasing out SF6 in favour of environmentally friendly alternatives
• Grid modernisation: Investment in transmission infrastructure
• Cyber security: Increasing focus on cyber security for critical infrastructure
• Compact design: GIS systems offer space-saving solutions
• Reliability: High reliability and low maintenance requirements

Economic Significance

At €4.08 million, this contract represents a significant investment in Denmark's electricity transmission infrastructure. The GIS substation will:

• Enhance grid reliability: Modernise the Ølstykke substation
• Support renewable energy: Enable integration of renewable energy sources
• Reduce environmental impact: Use alternative gas instead of SF6
• Support Danish energy transition: Contribute to Denmark's climate goals

Future Procurement Opportunities

With the contract now awarded, future opportunities include:

• Other substations: Similar procurements for other Energinet substations
• Maintenance contracts: Ongoing maintenance of GIS equipment
• Grid expansion: Additional transmission infrastructure projects
• Other European TSOs: Similar procurements by other transmission system operators

Opportunities for Suppliers

While this contract is awarded, future opportunities exist for high-voltage equipment suppliers:

• Other substations: Similar procurements for other Energinet substations
• Other TSOs: Similar procurements by other European transmission system operators
• Alternative gas technology: Growing demand for non-SF6 GIS
• Maintenance: Ongoing maintenance and service contracts

What Businesses Should Watch

• Energinet's future procurement notices for substation equipment
• Other European TSOs' GIS procurement notices
• Alternative gas technology developments
• Cyber security requirements for critical infrastructure
• EU energy and climate policy developments

DenmarkTenders Procurement Intelligence

This GIS substation procurement is a significant contract for Energinet's transmission infrastructure. Several features stand out:

• Scale: €4.08 million for a complete GIS substation
• Quality focus: Quality weighting of 70%
• Alternative gas: Use of environmentally friendly gas instead of SF6
• Cyber security: 5% weighting for cyber security requirements
• Specialist supplier: Hitachi Energy is a global market leader

For suppliers, this procurement highlights the importance of:

• Technical quality: Demonstrating technical excellence (60% of evaluation)
• Competitive pricing: Price accounts for 30% of evaluation
• HSE and cyber security: 5% each for HSE and cyber security
• Alternative gas: Offering non-SF6 solutions
• Global presence: Being a recognised global supplier

Supplier Takeaways

• Demonstrate technical quality—60% of evaluation is quality-based
• Offer competitive pricing—price accounts for 30%
• Show strong HSE and cyber security credentials
• Offer alternative gas (non-SF6) solutions
• Monitor Energinet and other TSOs for future GIS procurements
• Build relationships with transmission system operators

Key Takeaways

• Energinet awarded a €4.08 million GIS substation contract to Hitachi Energy
• Project: 145 kV GIS substation for Ølstykke with alternative gas
• Scope: 2 line-feeder bays, 2 transformer bays, 1 busbar coupler bay, 2 metering bays
• Evaluation: Technical solution (60%), Price (30%), HSE (5%), Cyber Security (5%)
• 2 bids received; winning bid 14% below highest bid
• Duration: 10 August 2026 – 15 January 2029
• No subcontracting
• Alternative gas (non-SF6) GIS technology

Conclusion

This GIS substation contract represents a significant investment in Denmark's electricity transmission infrastructure. By awarding the contract to Hitachi Energy Denmark, Energinet ensures that the Ølstykke substation will be equipped with state-of-the-art, environmentally friendly GIS technology.

The 70% quality weighting reflects the importance of technical performance, reliability, and safety in high-voltage equipment. The inclusion of alternative gas (non-SF6) technology aligns with environmental goals, while the 5% weighting for cyber security reflects the growing importance of protecting critical infrastructure.

As Denmark continues to develop its energy infrastructure, similar procurements will provide opportunities for suppliers with strong technical capabilities and environmental credentials.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Energinet?

Ans: The Danish transmission system operator for electricity, responsible for operating and developing Denmark's electricity transmission grid.

Q: What is the value of the contract?

Ans: €4,084,300.00.

Q: Who won the contract?

Ans: Hitachi Energy Denmark A/S.

Q: What is being procured?

Ans: A 145 kV Gas-Insulated Switchgear (GIS) substation for Ølstykke.

Q: What is alternative gas?

Ans: An environmentally friendly alternative to SF6 (sulphur hexafluoride), a potent greenhouse gas traditionally used in GIS.

Q: What were the evaluation criteria?

Ans: Technical solution (60%), Price (30%), HSE (5%), Cyber Security (5%).

Q: How many bids were received?

Ans: Two bids were received.

Q: Is this contract funded by the EU?

Ans: No, the procurement is not financed with EU funds.

Source: EU Official Journal, Contract Award Notice 564575-2026, OJ S 156/2026, published 14 August 2026.