Vattenfall IDNO launches a Grid Capacity Insights Platform, designed to streamline the grid connection for commercial and industrial developers in the UK Vattenfall IDNO had launched a Grid Capacity Insights Platform, a cutting-edge tool designed to simplify and accelerate the grid connection process for commercial and industrial developers across the UK. This platform provides developers with detailed data on power availability, grid constraints, and capacity at various voltage levels, enabling smarter site selection and reducing the risk of delays or failed grid applications. “With the UK on its journey to net-zero, we are aiming to remove as many obstacles as we can in the grid connection process,” says Stewart Dawson, Managing Director at Vattenfall IDNO. “Our Grid Capacity Insights Platform enables large-scale developers to navigate the complexities of grid connectivity, accelerating the electrification of energy intensive sectors to support the UK’s transition to sustainable energy.” Leading the transition to net-zero The platform is designed to benefit solar and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project developers, as well as large industrial energy consumers, by offering actionable insights on the most suitable points of connection. Vattenfall IDNO can also suggest practical cable routes and deliver comprehensive reports to streamline the application process. For major project developers, Vattenfall IDNO’s Grid Connections Consultancy service can even be delivered at no charge when Vattenfall adopts the network, helping to reduce the costs of successful grid applications. The Grid Capacity Insights Platform is part of Vattenfall’s broader consultancy service, which guides developers through the entire grid connection process, from feasibility assessments to project delivery. Vattenfall also supports the tendering of contestable works and manages network implementation, helping developers navigate the technical and administrative complexities of grid connectivity. To further ease the process, Vattenfall IDNO can even waive consultancy fees for developers who opt for network adoption, reducing the cost burden for those moving towards electrified infrastructure. This approach provides practical support for developers focused on integrating electric energy solutions into their projects. The platform provides a valuable tool for advancing the UK’s transition towards a decarbonised economy by providing clear data on power availability and grid capacity. It helps developers streamline site selection and grid application processes. The technology reduces the complexities of grid access, empowering developers to progress confidently with their projects and contribute to the nation’s net-zero goals. For further information or to explore the Grid Capacity Insights Platform, please visit the Vattenfall IDNO website. Additionally, Product Manager Bilgin Oralerkaya is available for interviews for journalists who would like to understand the platform in more detail. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Last Energy, a US-based energy start-up, has announced ambitious plans to develop a £300 million micro-modular nuclear power plant scheme in South Wales. The project aims to deliver four innovative 20 MWe micro-modular nuclear units, generating a total of 80 MWe – enough to power approximately 244,000 homes annually. The plants will be built in Bridgend County, on the former Llynfi Power Station site, with completion of the first unit expected by 2027, pending regulatory approvals. Last Energy’s cutting-edge technology promises a clean, reliable alternative to fossil fuels, marking a key step in the UK’s push for sustainable energy solutions. Boost for the Local Economy and Clean Energy Goals This project is not only a major development in the UK’s energy landscape but also a significant investment in the local economy. Around 100 full-time jobs will be created for the Bridgend community, with at least 10% of procurement sourced from local suppliers, injecting £30 million into the region. The micro-modular plants, known as PWR-20, are designed with advanced modular technology, allowing components to be pre-fabricated, transported, and assembled on-site in just 24 months – similar to assembling a “LEGO kit.” This approach ensures faster construction and lower costs, with the entire project funded privately, without public investment. A Strategic Step for UK Energy Security and Decarbonisation This initiative aligns with both UK and Welsh Government goals. By providing clean, reliable power to local manufacturers, it supports industrial decarbonisation and contributes to the Welsh Government’s 2030 net-zero targets. It also bolsters the UK government’s long-term strategy to expand nuclear capacity, enhancing energy security. With Last Energy’s investment, South Wales is set to play a pivotal role in the UK’s transition to a sustainable energy future. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

A new company, Steel River Power Limited (“Steel River Power”), has been created to build, own, and operate what will become the largest private wire network in the UK and deliver power to occupiers on the giant Teesworks development site, located in the Tees Valley in the North East of England. Steel River Power will invest upwards of £100 million, directly employ more than 20 people, and indirectly employ hundreds more to upgrade and expand the existing private electricity distribution network to accommodate the current and future needs of tenants on the Teesworks site. The scale of this direct investment in electricity network infrastructure will enable the accelerated and mission-led growth of net zero and sustainable industry on the Teesworks site. Steel River Power Limited is a 50:50 joint venture between Steel River Energy Limited (“Steel River Energy”) and North West Electricity Networks (UK) Limited (“NWEN (UK)”). Ian Smyth, CEO of NWEN (UK) said: “This is a substantial investment to build the electricity infrastructure required to achieve net zero in the UK. We are extremely excited to deliver our expertise to create the infrastructure that will generate high-value jobs and unlock sustainable economic growth. “This investment cements NWEN (UK) as a leading provider of private electricity distribution network solutions.” Chris Musgrave OBE, chairman of Teesworks Limited, said: “This is a massive step forward for Teesworks. Upgrading and expanding the private wire network will mean occupiers on the site have access to a safe and reliable electricity network with sufficient capacity to support their operations and growth. It is the backbone utility for Teesworks. “Getting a new or expanded direct connection to the National Grid can take up to ten years, but tenants on the Teesworks site can obtain a connection to the Steel River Power private wire network immediately, unlocking development in the region.” Martin Corney, director of Steel River Energy said: “Selected after a competitive process, NWEN (UK) are one of the most experienced and best performing operators of electricity infrastructure in the UK and hence tenants of the Teesworks site will benefit from their decades of expertise in the sector when it comes to designing, constructing, and operating the Steel River Power network.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Electricity network operators have abolished 10GW of so-called “zombie” projects since the launch of ENA’s Strategic Connections Group, freeing up vital grid capacity, figures from Energy Networks Association released today, 26th September 2024, reveal. This achievement has been possible thanks to work being undertaken by network operators, the regulator and the system operator through ENA’s Strategic Connections Group. The initiatives have seen stalled or speculative schemes – that were characterised by the regulator last year as ‘zombie projects’ – removed from the queue. Over the coming months, the Group is working on further initiatives as part of the next phase of the process, including ensuring a more effective and cohesive connection process between the transmission and distribution networks. ENA and their network operator members are working with the regulator to assess what would be needed to deliver this coordination, including in terms of codes or new licence changes to facilitate it. ENA’s Strategic Connections Group, made up of network operators and industry partners, is dedicated to accelerating the speed of grid connections. It has prioritised practical reforms and is advocating for strategic changes to the UK’s planning processes that are necessary to make grid connections even faster. The actions being taken include: Lawrence Slade, Chief Executive of Energy Networks Association, said:“Removing these stalled schemes is a necessary step to make the UK’s grid connection process faster but it’s just one part of the solution and work must continue at pace. We’re taking measures to more closely coordinate the connections process between distribution and transmission networks and we’re working with the government and regulator to help ensure the planning system is ready to enable the connections needed for the UK’s clean energy future. “We also shouldn’t forget that these projects are a sign that the ‘connection queue’ itself requires further reform, as there was 252GW more generation and supply capacity in the queue last year than is required by 2050 in even the most ambitious plans for the UK’s grid.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Balfour Beatty, the international infrastructure group, today announces that it has been awarded a £363 million contract by National Grid to deliver the Bramford to Twinstead Reinforcement project. The contract has been awarded through National Grid’s RIIO-2 framework. On completion, the project will reinforce the electricity network in East Anglia and ensure that it can continue to reliably and securely transport the cleaner, greener electricity required for the UK’s transition to Net Zero. Balfour Beatty will be responsible for the replacement of the existing high voltage electricity network between Bramford Substation in Suffolk and Twinstead Tee in Essex, with a new 400 kilovolt overhead line spanning 18 kilometers. In addition, the company will also deliver 11 kilometres of underground cable through the Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Stour Valley. The company will work closely with ecologists and conservationists throughout to mitigate any disruption to local wildlife and has committed to delivering a 10% biodiversity net gain over the project lifecycle. Leo Quinn, Balfour Beatty Group Chief Executive, said:  “This award demonstrates the momentum we are capturing in the energy security and transition market. As the largest power transmission provider in the UK, we have a long and proud history of working with National Grid. This latest award will once again enable our expert teams to deploy their proven capability to successfully deliver overhead lines and underground cabling works in complex and challenging landscapes.” Main construction is expected to commence in the first half of 2025 with completion expected in 2028. At peak construction, Balfour Beatty will employ over 200 people including 10 apprenticeship and graduate positions as part of the company’s commitment to The 5% Club. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals