Temporary power supplier Aggreko has reportedly pulled out of the Rio 2016 tender process ©Getty Images

Olympic power supplier Aggreko has reportedly pulled out of the tender process to provide generators at Rio 2016 next summer - handing organisers a fresh crisis with the Games just eight months away.

The company, which has been involved at nine Olympics and six FIFA World Cups, were by far and away the most experienced firm in the running for the crucial contract, but Rio 2016 spokesman Mario Andrada told Reuters that they are no longer in the running. 

A reliable power supply, including the back-up provided by generators, is a key part of any Games.

Andrada said that he was confident in the abilities of the companies still in contention for the tender, with the winner set to be approved today.

These are reportedly a mixture of Brazilian and international firms, but none will have the experience of Aggreko, a world leading temporary power supplier.

Aggreko had supplied the power at Beijing 2008 and London 2012.

Their deal for London 2012 was worth a reported £37 million ($56 million/€51 million).

The news is a blow to Rio 2016 organisers with the Games rapidly approaching
The news is a blow to Rio 2016 organisers with the Games rapidly approaching ©Getty Images

"There is increased risk of going somewhere who doesn't have the experience," Will Kirkness, an analyst at Jefferies, told Reuters.

"Are there people out there with enough equipment?

"Probably.

"But in terms of the operational side of things, Aggreko are pretty good at this."

No reason has been given for Aggreko's withdrawal as yet, although speculation suggests they "had tired of two-year-old negotiations, as well as constant changes in both the scope of the tender and who would be paying - the government or organising committee".

Aggreko would not confirm or deny the reports.

"Aggreko notes media reports that it has withdrawn from the bidding process for the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic and Paralympic Games," a statement said.

"The tender process is ongoing and as such Aggreko is unable to comment further at this stage."

The company provided temporary power at last year's Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, where the business is headquartered.

They worked across all of the Games' venues and the athletes village, using more than 100 individual generator sets connected through a network of more than 1,000 distribution boards and 200 kilometres of cabling.



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