In a major move reshaping the UK’s electricity distribution landscape, Eclipse Power Networks has agreed to acquire Vattenfall Networks Ltd — the UK arm of Vattenfall’s Independent Distribution Network Operator (IDNO) business. The transaction, announced on 17 November 2025, is expected to conclude by the end of the year.
The acquisition aims to combine the strengths of two established players, creating one of the UK’s largest IDNOs. Eclipse Power Networks — a subsidiary of the Octopus Sky Fund — already operates nationwide electricity connection infrastructure. The enlarged entity is expected to deliver power connections more efficiently across housing developments, renewable energy sites, data centres and other large-scale infrastructure projects.
For Vattenfall, the sale reflects a strategic refocus. The Swedish utility — a global heavyweight in generation, including renewables — said divesting the UK IDNO business aligns with its commitment to “enable fossil freedom” and maintain financial discipline, helping it redirect resources toward core clean-energy operations. Since its 2018 establishment, Vattenfall’s UK IDNO business had built up a reputation as a competitive operator, energising 20 projects in 2024 alone — the most in any single year for the firm — and serving clients in sectors ranging from waste management and renewable energy to AI infrastructure and heavy industry.
Eclipse’s chief executive, Spencer Thompson, described the acquisition as a natural fit, citing shared values and a commitment to innovation in UK power infrastructure. With enhanced delivery capabilities and combined teams, Eclipse Power Networks is positioned to play a critical role in accelerating electrification across the UK – helping to unlock housing, industrial and renewable-energy projects that otherwise might be held up by “grid bottlenecks.”
As the integration moves ahead, customers, suppliers and employees have been assured of continuity, while the enlarged group aims for growth, operational synergy and increased scale.
