Vattenfall has launched an independent distributions business for GB. Vattenfall Networks was granted a licence on 1 November and is expected to begin operations in 2018. It will be headed by Stewart Dawson.

The new unit Vattenfall IDNO, an Independent Distribution Network Operator, will build and operate new connections to the existing network in new residential, retail or industrial areas.  The company has 3.2 million network customers.  Vattenfall Eldistribution, Västerbergslagens Elnät and Gotlands Elnät  own and operate electricity networks in western, central and northern Sweden. In Germany, group company Stromnetz Berlin owns and operates the electricity network in Berlin.

“Vattenfall has extensive experience in operating electricity networks, including smart meters, and we are now also investing in micro grids and smart street lighting. We will use our expertise to develop the British networks business,” said Annika Viklund,  head of business area distribution.

Vattenfall has been operating in the UK since 2008 as a wind energy generator and from next year its first battery storage facility will provide frequency response services to National Grid.

Last summer, it acquired independent energy retailer iSupply Energy and launched a new business-to-business electricity sales venture.

Further reading:

Interview with Vicki Spiers, chair, iDNO group the Competitive Networks Association