In October 2022, a preliminary phase was started as part of the project with the aim of sharpening the challenge and conducting an in-depth needs analysis among internal stakeholders. Various scoping sessions were organized together with consultants from Verhaert.

An open market consultation was organised online on Tuesday 24 January 2023 to determine to what extent the emission of carbon stored in peaty soil can be avoided as much as possible. The market consultation consists of two parts: (1) a group discussion and (2) optional private 1-on-1 calls.

(1) During the group discussion, three different solutions were proposed. These include solutions that try to avoid oxidation, solutions that allow peat to oxidize under controlled conditions, and solutions that process the peaty spoil in or into another material. 
During the market consultation, the feasibility of the various realization scenarios, the innovative character of the priority functionalities, preconditions, risks and a rough estimate of the development costs of the solution directions were assessed. 

(2) In addition, we provided the opportunity for 1-on-1-meeting with the contracting authority. 

The presentations given during the market consultation are listed under 'documents' below. The final report and the needsanalysis and findings of the market consultation are available as well. 

The outcome of the market consultation should enable the Contracting Authority to launch a public tender .