There needs to be more than conversation around accelerating EV charging infrastructure. Ben Croxford, delivery director at Eclipse Power Networks looks at the opportunities that fresh thinking IDNOs are applying to bring EV transition closer.
The recent change of government in the UK has put the spotlight on clean energy and the decarbonisation of our economy. It has also put the transition to electric vehicles back on track by reinstating the 2030 timeline for phasing out sales of new petrol and diesel vehicles.
EVs are a key part of the decarbonisation solution, but they can also be seen as part of the problem. As demand for EVs grows, there’s a related growth to an equal demand for EV charging infrastructure.
The growth in EV numbers has seen a disproportionate growth in demand for power. Driver behaviour has sparked demand for rapid (50-149kW) and ultra-rapid (150kW) chargers on public networks. This puts more pressure on grid connections as Charge Point Operators (CPOs) and commercial and industrial fleet operators want to ensure their applications for power connections from Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) and National Energy System Operator (NESO) are granted quickly so their projects can be up and running, returning value in a timely fashion.
The result of the demand for the electrification of transport in the UK is, inevitably, a lengthy queue for connections. DNOs and NESO do not currently prioritise or discriminate by projects – so EV connections are in the same queue as new residential and commercial and industrial connections and renewable generation projects. Connection dates of 10-15 years in the future are not uncommon with the connection queue approaching terawatt territory.
Investment in the UK’s EV charging infrastructure is currently high. A public EV charging hub presents an attractive revenue opportunity for landowners and retail/business site operators. It’s also an operational necessity for industrial and commercial business fleets. However, when the timeframe is extended due to delays in accessing power from the grid, the investment looks a lot less attractive.
I is for innovation and independent
We need an innovative way to address the connection challenge; one that means stepping away from the traditional way of working with a DNO – with all its limitations – and working with an Independent Distribution Network Operator (IDNO) to get EV connections for new residential and commercial developments, and for fleet and depot charging for electric last-mile deliveries, LCVs, HGVs, taxis, buses, and emergency vehicles.
Introduced in 2004 to increase competition in connections for electricity distribution, IDNOs, like DNOs, design, own, operate and maintain electricity networks in the UK. Also, like DNOs, they are licensed by Ofgem. However, their ‘independence’ differentiates IDNOs from DNOs as they aren’t restricted to a geographical part of the UK. They can operate nationwide and be more flexible about how they interpret the standards set by DNOs, which vary from region to region.
Operating in a competitive market means that IDNOs can adapt and adjust to market challenges in a way that DNOs aren’t incentivised to do. They are more customer-centric, focusing on the customer’s broader needs rather than just making a connection happen. The right IDNO partner works with charging infrastructure developers to reduce the risk for investors that are looking for a three to five-year payback, by enabling faster and more cost-effective grid connections for installations.
No one said EV charging infrastructure was simple
Importantly, IDNOs understand the complexity and work that goes into meeting EV regulations. For any EV charging infrastructure project there are a lot of moving parts, a lot of obstacles to overcome and a lot of stakeholders to engage with.
Dealing with the DNO to get a connection involves liaising with the right person and in the right way. It requires an understanding of the processes involved and the timescales for network reinforcement where it’s needed. It also means handling the likelihood and scale of unexpected costs, without throwing enormous curveballs at the project.
Similarly, with project delivery, legals and streetworks, the IDNO takes away the complexity of sometimes unclear process requirements, again often by knowing who to speak to. They help make large power connection agreements accessible and handle MPAN data flow issues on behalf of the customer. Importantly, they can assist with the timescales for design reviews and legal completion – handling the legal changes that arise from design changes as ‘as-built’ sometimes doesn’t match approved designs. This leads on to adding value to the project’s build assurance – getting completion certificates for phased projects can be complex.
Land rights are a massive bottleneck. These and planning barriers, which are hopefully being addressed by the new government. Discussions around land rights, ownership and wayleaves involve multiple parties, and not everyone understands the language that is being used. You have to cut through a lot of technical electrical jargon when dealing with DNOs, which is why it pays to work with an IDNO who can help translate and put it in simple language.
Real-world experience and engagement
At a recent EV Solution Workshop, Eclipse Power presented its EV energisation customer journey to people from across the EV charging ecosystem. The journey focuses on engaging authoritative expertise you can trust – Eclipse Power has a long track record of successfully designing, owning, operating and maintaining licensed electricity distribution networks across the UK. We have direct experience of compliance with EV charging regulations and of reducing risk for investors.
The workshop and development of our customer journey was prompted by questions asked by people who have faced the real-world challenges of connecting EV charging projects. Most of which came down to the central question; “How can we improve energisation timescales.” The answer lies in communication, improving processes for sure, but keeping all stakeholders informed with dates and progress at every stage.
Ultimately, accelerating the build out of the UK’s EV charging infrastructure comes down to putting people at the centre of what you want to achieve, which is what transforming the sector should be all about. There needs to be more conversation and more action around accelerating EV charging infrastructure. With a fresh government looking to unblock planning restrictions and investment in the green transition, the most transformative time is now.