Companies from Spain, as a member country of SKAO, can apply for tenders for energy supply and antenna installation
The CDTI Innovation Center has announced the launch of two tenders in Australia related to the SKAO (Square Kilometre Array Observatory) project. This is an international initiative to build and operate the world's largest radio telescope, with one site in South Africa and another in Australia.
The first of these tenders is called "SKA-LOW Central Power Station Phase 2," which involves the provision of a hybrid substation based on photovoltaics, storage, and diesel backup. The selected supplier will be responsible for the design, construction, and operation of a remote power plant that maximizes the contribution of renewable energy sources under a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA). The deadline for supplier prequalification is December 1.
The second tender is "SKA-Low Antenna Assembly & Deployment." The objective is to appoint a contractor to assemble and install 199 field antenna stations (50,944 individual antennas) from a centralized, semi-permanent facility on-site, and deploy the antennas by attaching them to a steel mesh within the core and specific areas. SKAO will provide the necessary tools, assembly documentation, and accommodation and maintenance at the designated camps. The approximate value of this contract is €3.2 million, and the deadline for prequalification of suppliers is November 3.
Recently, delegations from 12 countries, including Spain, visited the facilities of the future SKAO telescope during a visit organized by the Observatory and CSIRO, Australia's national science agency. The visitors saw the progress of the project and the technological benefits derived from the 16 countries on five continents contributing to the project.
More information is available on the official SKAO website.
