How IDNOs can supercharge the public sector’s path to net zero

With net-zero deadlines fast approaching, the UK public sector faces a paradox: big targets with small budgets. Despite bold goals, much of the sector remains unaware of key tools that could transform the electrification journey. The recent Vattenfall Networks seminar revealed an astounding gap in awareness—of the attendees, only one of 15 had heard of IDNOs. Yet IDNOs might just be the accelerant needed to bring these green ambitions to life.

As councils and NHS trusts strive to meet net-zero targets by 2030 and 2050, many are only just discovering the role that Independent Network Operators (IDNOs) could play in their journey. According to the UK Government’s Net Zero Strategy: Build Back Greener, the public sector is expected to lead by example, transitioning to sustainable energy solutions across all infrastructure projects. However, with government funding spread thin, reaching these ambitious targets demands creative, cost-effective solutions, like IDNOs. Brent Council’s Francesca Campagnoli captured the current knowledge gap perfectly: “This was all completely new to me”. With so much at stake, the public sector’s introduction to IDNOs is long overdue.

The knowledge gap

This lack of familiarity with IDNOs isn’t just surprising—it’s a barrier. The Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS), which has allocated over £1 billion to assist public bodies in reducing emissions, has been crucial but still leaves funding gaps. Jacob Kupferberg, from Brent London Borough Council, highlighted these challenges: "The two main obstacles are governance and funding". Limited resources and complex bureaucratic processes slow down efforts, while public scrutiny adds pressure to perform efficiently.

IDNOs like Vattenfall are designed to bridge some of these gaps, offering a lifeline through both funding and project acceleration. Our Asset Adoption Value (AAV) payments, a concept new to most attendees, can significantly reduce upfront infrastructure costs. By reducing initial project expenses, AAV payments ease budgetary pressures, enabling councils and trusts to make tangible progress toward sustainability.

Suzanna Lashford, Head of Business Development at Vattenfall Networks, explained the rationale:

The public sector is under pressure to deliver ambitious net-zero goals with limited budgets. IDNOs can be the key to unlocking these projects, giving councils and NHS trusts the financial and operational freedom to move forward with electrification.

With increasing emphasis on decentralisation and local accountability, as noted in the government’s Ten Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution, partnerships with IDNOs align with these goals by offering flexible, localised solutions.

From theory to practice: beyond funding

IDNOs offer more than just funding. They bring a streamlined, end-to-end approach to grid connections, which many organisations discovered could fast-track their projects. Francesca observed,

If IDNOs have priority on highway permits, it means they can perform grid connections more efficiently.

For councils managing time-sensitive projects, this competitive edge is a game-changer, particularly in urban regeneration or infrastructure-heavy initiatives where delays are common.

Severine Turgis from Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust emphasised how IDNOs simplify project delivery:

Knowing that they [IDNOs] help with applications and follow through on commitments gives me confidence when I pitch the idea to my directors.

This full-cycle support fills critical resource and expertise gaps, allowing public sector teams to focus on the bigger picture of decarbonisation without being weighed down by logistical barriers.

For many, learning about IDNOs was eye-opening. Joy Olokpa, Carbon Zero Program Manager at Hammersmith and Fulham Council, valued IDNOs’ comprehensive support, noting that they could “relieve some of the burden on us by managing every step”. The Public Accounts Committee recently pointed to the need for better infrastructure management within the public sector, emphasising that streamlined processes and external expertise could enhance project efficiency. IDNOs, with their holistic approach, seem well-suited to meet these recommendations.

A call to action for the public sector

If public sector organisations are serious about meeting net-zero goals, IDNOs need to be part of the conversation. This starts with educating key stakeholders—energy managers, sustainability directors, and facilities teams—on the advantages IDNOs offer. The UK public sector is at a critical crossroads, balancing ambitious net-zero targets with tight budgets and limited awareness of key solutions. IDNOs present a promising path forward, offering both financial and operational support that can help councils and NHS trusts navigate the challenges ahead. It’s time for the public sector to recognize the value of IDNOs, unlocking a partnership that could prove vital to achieving a sustainable future.