Aurora Utilities to Link Conrad’s 1.2GW UK Renewables

• Aurora Utilities wins Conrad Energy’s nod as Ofgem-licensed IDNO to connect a 1.2‑GW UK solar and battery portfolio, accelerating grid access with private network solutions across multiple sites.

Aurora Utilities Ltd, an Ofgem-licensed independent distribution network operator, has been chosen by Conrad Energy as its preferred network operator to connect a 1.2‑GW UK portfolio of renewable projects. The pipeline comprises utility‑scale solar and battery energy storage assets, with Aurora tasked with delivering grid connections across multiple sites.

As an IDNO, Aurora will design, build, own and operate the connection assets under the regulated framework, offering alternative grid capacity to speed project delivery. Project timelines and financial terms were not disclosed. The agreement underscores demand for private network solutions to integrate renewables and storage into the UK distribution system.

How will Aurora’s IDNO role accelerate connections for Conrad Energy’s solar-storage portfolio?

• Competes with host DNOs on “contestable” works, letting connections be designed and built in parallel rather than waiting in long DNO queues.
  
• Mobilises private capital to fund connection assets upfront, de‑risking grid delivery for each site and avoiding capex bottlenecks.
  
• Standardises designs across the portfolio (solar plus BESS), speeding approvals, procurement, and factory acceptance testing of repeatable components.
  
• Offers portfolio‑level programming, sequencing connections so earlier‑ready sites energise first while others complete land or planning tasks.
  
• Can adopt and deliver upstream reinforcements that are contestable (e.g., new feeders, switchgear, primary upgrades), shaving months off DNO-led timelines.
  
• Provides alternative points of connection and route options, reducing route‑proving delays and wayleave risks.
  
• Integrates flexible/managed connection schemes and ANM interfaces, enabling earlier energisation with curtailment managed by co‑located storage.
  
• Deploys SCADA, telemetry, and protection settings tuned for hybrid assets, streamlining G99 compliance and commissioning windows.
  
• Uses staged energisation (partial capacity first, full capacity later), bringing revenue forward while grid upgrades complete.
  
• Aggregates capacity reservations across multiple sites, improving queue position management and mitigating “queue squatting” impacts.
  
• Negotiates clearer adoption values and use‑of‑system charges, improving bankability and speeding financial close.
  
• Provides dedicated delivery teams and service‑level guarantees that are often leaner and faster than host DNO processes.
  
• Coordinates with ICPs and OEMs under a single governance framework, compressing design-review and energisation sign‑offs.
• Facilitates co‑optimisation of solar and storage dispatch with network constraints, reducing curtailment risk and improving grid acceptance.