Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water (DCWW) has announced its selection of engineering consultancies for the Asset Management Period 8 (AMP8) framework, which will run from 2025 to 2030. The £160 million (over US$204 million) framework includes Arup, AtkinsRéalis, Mott MacDonald, and Stantec as the chosen partners.
With the conclusion of its current capital delivery alliances at the end of AMP7, DCWW is setting up a new framework to implement a “capable owner” delivery model. This model will involve close collaboration between DCWW’s asset planning teams and the four consultancy firms to develop and execute effective solutions through major design and build framework partners.
The consultancies will handle a range of activities, including data analysis, root cause investigation, modelling, solution evaluation, environmental assessments, and feasibility studies. Each consultancy contract is valued at up to £40 million over the five-year term.
DCWW’s draft AMP8 plan includes a substantial £3.5 billion investment, aimed at delivering £300 million to £350 million worth of projects annually. Andy Taylor, DCWW’s Director of Asset Planning, emphasized the significance of this investment: “Our proposed business plan for the next five years, pending Ofwat’s approval, will represent our largest investment to date in enhancing environmental standards and ensuring a reliable water supply for our customers.”
AtkinsRéalis highlighted its long-standing relationship with DCWW. Framework Director Jeremy Salisbury remarked, “Our appointment to this framework builds on two decades of collaboration with Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water. It will allow us to expand the range of services and expertise we provide to help DCWW achieve its future objectives. As demand on water resources increases, it’s essential to work collaboratively with owners, partners, and suppliers to ensure the best outcomes for our planet and its people.”
Mott MacDonald’s UK and Europe Managing Director Richard Risdon added, “Mott MacDonald has a rich history in the UK water sector, with over a century of experience. We’ve assembled a specialist team to collaborate closely with DCWW, leveraging our digital, environmental, and technical capabilities to deliver impactful social outcomes. We look forward to contributing to this critical programme of projects.”
Scott Jackson, Stantec’s Regional Director for Water, expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity: “This framework win is a significant opportunity for our team in Wales to apply their expertise for positive community impact. From nature-based solutions to advanced water networks, we aim to bring valuable knowledge and best practices to DCWW. We’re excited to work with our partners to identify innovative solutions for the communities we serve.”
In a related effort, DCWW has teamed up with Mott MacDonald to reduce its carbon emissions significantly. With a target of a 90% reduction by 2030, DCWW will utilize Mott MacDonald’s PAS 2080-aligned Moata Carbon Portal to enhance low-carbon design and regulatory reporting.
Arwel Jones, DCWW’s Head of Engineering Performance, stated, “Our services are increasingly affected by climate change impacts like extreme weather. We’re committed to supporting Wales’ carbon reduction goals and look forward to collaborating on this important initiative to minimize our carbon footprint and boost resilience.”
David Orr, Mott MacDonald’s Product Lead for the Moata Carbon Portal, concluded, “This collaboration represents an exciting milestone in our decarbonisation journey with DCWW. It’s inspiring to see an organization fully engage all employees and supply chain members in considering carbon impacts, benefiting communities across Wales.”