How Vattenfall IDNO collaborates with ICPs to Deliver Better Networks — Faster

As the UK accelerates toward a low-carbon future, the role of Independent Connection Providers (ICPs) has never been more vital. From renewable energy projects to all-electric commercial developments, ICPs deliver the on-the-ground engineering and project management that’s enabling the energy transition. But to deliver at scale — and at pace — they need strong, reliable adoption partners. That’s where Vattenfall IDNO steps in.

A Smarter, More Agile Approach to Network Adoption

Vattenfall IDNO is part of Vattenfall, one of Europe’s largest energy companies, with over a century of experience in energy infrastructure. As a licensed Independent Distribution Network Operator (IDNO), Vattenfall specialises in adopting, operating, and maintaining large, complex connections. Once an ICP completes the contestable works to the required standards, Vattenfall takes on full responsibility for managing the asset — from compliance and safety to long-term operation and customer service.

This model allows ICPs to focus on what they do best — designing and building high-quality infrastructure — while Vattenfall handles the regulatory and operational burden.

Independent - But Open to Partnership

Unlike some IDNOs, Vattenfall is not exclusively partnered with any specific ICPs. Instead, the company prefers to build open, trusted, long-term relationships with a broad network of connection providers. This flexibility creates a level playing field, allowing all ICPs to benefit from Vattenfall's competitive offers and supportive delivery model.

What’s more, when an ICP brings a project to Vattenfall for an adoption quote, that relationship goes both ways. Vattenfall also receives direct approaches from developers looking to build new grid connections — and when they do, Vattenfall invites ICPs they’ve worked with to quote for the contestable works on those schemes.

For example, when an established ICP asked Lee Scarth, one of the business developers at Vattenfall, to provide an Asset Adoption Valuation (AAV) for a 450 kVA connection to power a Volvo showroom and EV chargers at a new site in Nottingham, Vattenfall’s quote secured the project, and a new working relationship was born. Vattenfall soon reciprocated by asking the ICP to quote for the contestable works for a 585 kVA connection to a new student housing development in Bath and the ICPs quote beat the DNOs price considerably which, together with the AAV, enabled the developer to save over 95% on their connection fees.

This kind of partnership delivers a real win-win: developers benefit from trusted ICP referrals and significant savings, and ICPs gain access to new business opportunities through Vattenfall’s growing pipeline.

Competitive Asset Value Payments That Make Projects Work

One of the biggest benefits to ICPs working with Vattenfall is the company’s competitive Asset Adoption Value payments. These upfront payments, made in exchange for adopting a completed network, help ICPs and developers recoup project costs quickly and reinvest in their next build.

Combined with clear, responsive communication and rapid approvals, Vattenfall’s commercial terms are designed to support ICPs at every stage of the project lifecycle.

Technical and Legel Support for Faster Energisation

Vattenfall prides itself on offering technical clarity and flexibility — particularly during the design, approvals, and energisation process. Their experienced in-house engineering and legal teams provide advice on technical designs, wayleaves and land rights and liaise with the host DNOs where necessary, to help smooth the path to energisation.

The result is a streamlined, collaborative process that keeps projects on track and minimises delays — critical in today’s high-demand energy environment.

For example, during a recent project a landowners’ solicitor was not comfortable with the land lease for a new substation and requested several amendments. These kinds of requests are typical with a new connection since solicitors often consider a substation lease like a normal landlord and tenant lease but the requirements for a new substation are quite different due to the perceived health and safety risks involved with housing electrical equipment.

IDNOs solicitors are not allowed to talk directly to a landowner if they have instructed solicitors as it can be a breach of SRA rules, so having an in-house legal team that is able to work directly with an ICP, to guide the client through the process can really help reduce delays.

Louise Mortell explains

I relayed the amendments the landowners’ solicitors were asking for to the ICP and explained why these would not be accepted. The ICP was then able to speak directly with the landowner to explain the risks and the standard approach. Being able to communicate directly with the landowner through the ICP really helped speed up the process and we reached agreement very quickly.

A Shared Vision for Net Zero

Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword for us at Vattenfall — it’s baked into everything we do. From supporting renewable energy infrastructure to enabling smart grids and EV charging, Vattenfall IDNO is a forward-thinking partner committed to helping the UK meet its net zero targets.

That’s why we’re so enthusiastic about working with ICPs who share that ambition — and why they’re actively looking to build more relationships with ICPs that understand the benefits of long-term partnerships and are keen to support the UK’s drive to net zero.

Contact us now if your business would benefit from working with an IDNO.