Vattenfall launches grid connection consultancy in Britain

Vattenfall Independent Distribution Network Operator (IDNO) is offering a consultancy to help speed up grid connections for infrastructure projects.

The new consultancy service draws on the energisation of more than 50 commercial grid connections and can work in any region of Great Britain.

With decarbonisation of the economy essential to meeting net zero targets, the country’s demand for electricity is forecast by National Grid to more than double by 2050.

Key infrastructure such as food manufacturing plants, electric transport hubs, residential and commercial construction and renewable energy projects that require a grid connection are often frustrated by complex and lengthy processes.

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For example, Ofgem data suggests over 40% of all applications for a grid connection for low-carbon energy schemes comprising over 120GW of clean power have been offered connection dates of 2030 or beyond, while around 20% would have to wait around 10 years.

Stewart Dawson, CEO of Vattenfall IDNO, says that the new Grid Connection Consultancy intends to provide an end-to-end solution for businesses.

“At Vattenfall IDNO, we recognise the urgency of achieving net zero goals and that many businesses find it challenging to manage the intricate process of securing grid connections. By offering a fully managed grid connections service, we aim to alleviate the burden for businesses that can’t manage this process themselves and accelerate the transition to a sustainable future.”

Historically, developers were obliged to connect via the DNO that controls the region in which the project is being built.

However, to introduce competition to help drive down costs, Ofgem has allowed independent DNOs to develop, operate and maintain local electricity distribution networks anywhere in Great Britain.

The Grid Connections Consultancy team includes electrical engineers, project managers, grid specialists and legal, regulatory and policy advisors.

Services offered by Vattenfall IDNO include power capacity and design requirement assessments, grid capacity reservation and negotiations with multiple landowners.

In addition, Vattenfall IDNO will carry out compliance audits for businesses looking to connect and can oversee on-site works.

To free up funds for those businesses, Vattenfall IDNO also offers a fee to adopt the new electricity network which can be re-invested by the developer.