Introduction: The International Finance Corporation (IFC) is seeking expressions of interest from qualified consulting firms to develop a model for delivering a sustainable; affordable; and reliable heating and cooling system in Pakistan using 5th Generation Networked Ground Source Heat Pumps (NGSHP) technology. This will entail conducting technical and economic feasibility studies and identifying viable sites for a demonstration project.

Background: Heating and cooling are critical components of global energy consumption; representing approximately half of the total final energy use. This sector surpasses both electricity and transport in terms of energy demand and is a significant contributor to energy-related CO2 emissions. The majority of heat production originates from fossil fuels; alongside a portion coming from unsustainable biomass sources. Despite a decline in the reliance on fossil fuels for heat generation; the sector remains a major concern for environmental sustainability.

Pakistan has a complex energy landscape; characterized by a high dependency on imported fossil fuels; rising energy demands; and urgent need for decarbonization.5th Generation Networked Ground Source Heat Pumps (NGSHP) are innovative heating and cooling systems that use low-temperature ground loops shared among multiple buildings. Unlike earlier systems; they operate at ambient temperatures; reducing thermal losses and requiring minimal energy for temperature adjustments. Their efficiency lies in harnessing renewable thermal energy; decentralizing heating and cooling; and enabling simultaneous heating and cooling exchanges between buildings. This approach minimizes energy waste; cuts carbon emissions; and reduces operational costs.

Project Description: IFC is developing a project aimed at creating a model to deliver a sustainable; affordable and reliable heating and cooling system in Pakistan using NGSHP for heating and cooling.

The project will be executed in phases; with Phase 1 focusing on the development of a work package that provides a feasibility analysis and identification of potential sites for the deployment of a utility-scale (equivalent to 3;000-30;000 housing/commercial units) NGSHP system in Pakistan. This work package will be instrumental in advancing to the following projects phases which would entail the procurement of design engineering services and eventually construction services to deploy the network as well as in the pursuit of funding sources to support the continuation of this work.

The assignment is expected to have the following workstreams:

Workstream 1: Feasibility Analysis - The Consultant will assess the feasibility of deploying a NGSHP system within Pakistan. The purpose of this workstream will be to identify the primary success factors (both from an economic and technical standpoint) for the deployment of the technology and to develop a set of screening criteria. These criteria should be used to inform site identification work.

a)     Technical feasibility will involve the review and analysis of the potential performance of a network of ground sourced heat pumps in Pakistan

b)     Economic / financial feasibility will involve analysis of the potential economics of NGSHP deployment in the country. Specifically, a review of the estimated installation costs for a district scale system that could serve on the order of 10;000-30;000 household equivalents.

 Workstream 2: Site Identification - The Consultant will identify specific potential locations (region; city; and neighborhood) for the deployment of NGSHP systems in Pakistan. These proposed locations should take in to account the previously determined success factors and screening criteria from Workstream 1. The intent of Workstream 2 is a more detailed analysis for specific areas in order to identify the best candidate for design work. Stakeholder outreach will also be a critical component of Workstream 2. Engagement with local commercial customers; municipalities; and local government will drive the identification of viable loop routes.

Qualification criteria: The selected Consultant should possess strong technical expertise and experience for undertaking high-level feasibility studies; GSHP performance analysis; energy market analysis and cost projections. Prior experience working on heat pump projects and district energy type systems is desirable. Consultants should also be able to provide past projects completed and references for similar projects to the outlined scope. International consultants or consultants located outside of Pakistan should have a local partner and the details should be included in the Expression of Interest (EOI).

SELECTION OF CONSULTING FIRMS BY THE WORLD BANK GROUP

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (EOI)

Electronic Submissions through WBGeProcure RFx Now

ASSIGNMENT OVERVIEW

Assignment Title: Feasibility Analysis for Networked Ground Source Heat Pump Systems for Heating and Cooling in Pakistan

Assignment Countries:

• Pakistan

ASSIGNMENT DESCRIPTION

Introduction: The International Finance Corporation (IFC) is seeking expressions of interest from qualified consulting firms to develop a model for delivering a sustainable; affordable; and reliable heating and cooling systemin Pakistan using 5th Generation Networked Ground Source Heat Pumps (NGSHP)technology. This will entail conducting technical and economic feasibility studies and identifying viable sites for a demonstration project.

Background: Heating and cooling are critical components of global energy consumption; representing approximately half of the total final energy use. This sector surpasses both electricity and transport in terms of energy demand and is a significant contributor to energy-related CO2 emissions. The majority of heat production originates from fossil fuels; alongside a portion coming from unsustainable biomass sources. Despite a decline in the reliance on fossil fuels for heat generation; the sector remains a major concern for environmental sustainability.

Pakistan has a complex energy landscape; characterized by a high dependency on imported fossil fuels; rising energy demands; and urgent need fordecarbonization.5th Generation Networked Ground Source Heat Pumps (NGSHP) are innovative heating and cooling systems that use low-temperature ground loops shared among multiple buildings. Unlike earlier systems; they operate at ambient temperatures; reducing thermal losses and requiring minimal energy for temperature adjustments. Their efficiency lies in harnessing renewable thermal energy; decentralizing heating and cooling; and enabling simultaneous heating and cooling exchanges between buildings. This approach minimizes energy waste; cuts carbon emissions; and reduces operational costs.

Project Description is developing a project aimed at creating a model to deliver a sustainable; affordable and reliable heating and cooling system in Pakistan using NGSHP for heating and cooling.

The project will be executed in phases; with Phase 1 focusing onthe development of a work package that provides a feasibility analysis andidentification of potential sites for the deployment of a utility-scale (equivalentto 3;000-30;000 housing/commercial units) NGSHP system in Pakistan. This workpackage will be instrumental in advancing to the following projects phaseswhich would entail the procurement of design engineering services andeventually construction services to deploy the network as well as in thepursuit of funding sources to support the continuation of this work.

The assignment is expected to have the following workstreams:

Workstream 1: Feasibility Analysis - The Consultant will assess the feasibilityof deploying a NGSHP system within Pakistan. The purpose of this workstreamwill be to identify the primary success factors (both from an economic andtechnical standpoint) for the deployment of the technology and to develop a setof screening criteria. These criteria should be used to inform siteidentification work.

a)Technical feasibility will involvethe review and analysis of the potential performance of a network of groundsourced heat pumps in Pakistan

b)Economic / financial feasibilitywill involve analysis of the potential economics of NGSHP deployment in thecountry. Specifically, a review of the estimated installation costs for a district scale system that could serve on the order of 10;000-30;000 household equivalents.

Workstream 2: Site Identification - The Consultant will identify specific potential locations (region; city; and neighborhood) for the deployment of NGSHP systems in Pakistan. These proposed locations should take in to account the previously determined success factors and screening criteria from Workstream 1. The intent of Workstream 2 is a more detailed analysis for specific areas in order to identify the best candidate for design work. Stakeholder outreach will also be a critical component of Workstream 2.Engagement with local commercial customers; municipalities; and local government will drive the identification of viable loop routes.

Qualification criteria: The selected Consultant should possess strong technical expertise and experience for undertaking high-level feasibility studies; GSHP performance analysis; energy market analysis and cost projections. Prior experience working on heat pump projects and district energy type systems is desirable. Consultants should also be able to provide past projects completed and references for similar projects to the outlined scope. International consultants or consultants located outside of Pakistan should have a local partner and the details should be included in the Expression of Interest (EOI).

FUNDING SOURCE

The World Bank Group intends to finance the assignment / services described below under the following:

• BB: Bank Budget
• TF0C7485: IFC

ELIGIBILITY

Eligibility restrictions apply:

• [Please type list of restrictions]

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

The World Bank Group invites eligible firms to indicate their interest in providing the services. Interested firms must provide information indicating that they are qualified to perform the services (brochures, description of similar assignments, experience in similar conditions, availability of appropriate skills among staff, etc. for firms; CV and cover letter for individuals). Please note that the total size of all attachments should be less than 5MB. Firms may associate to enhance their qualifications unless otherwise stated in the solicitation documents. Where a group of firms associate to submit an EOI, they must indicate which is the lead firm. If shortlisted, the firm identified in the EOI as the lead firm will be invited to the request for proposal (RFP) phase.

Expressions of Interest should be submitted, in English, electronically through WBGeProcure RFx Now

NOTES

Following this invitation for EOI, a shortlist of qualified firms will be formally invited to submit proposals. Shortlisting and selection will be subject to the availability of funding.

Only those firms which have been shortlisted will be invited to participate in the RFP phase. No notification or debrief will be provided to firms which have not been shortlisted.

If you encounter technical difficulties while uploading documents, please send an e-mail to the Help Desk at corporateprocurement@worldbank.org prior to the submission deadline.