Downing Renewable Developments secures two BESS planning consents

It was granted approval for a 40MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project in Heanor, Derbyshire, in the East Midlands, and then for a further 100MW BESS project near Rowley Regis in the West Midlands. When constructed, the projects will add significant assets to Downing-managed funds. 

Both projects were approved without any objections from members of the public, reflecting DRD’s commitment to engaging with local communities and its focus on maximising opportunities for the local area through jobs and community benefit payments.

The subsidiary of investment manager Downing was granted its first planning consent last year for a 49.9 MW solar farm in Norfolk, part of its 6GW pipeline of development projects across the UK.

The Rowley Regis project – known as the Edwin Richards Energy Storage Park – will store enough energy to power up to 300,000 homes for a two-hour period while the Heanor Energy Park will store enough renewable energy to power up to 120,000 homes for a two-hour period.

Tony Gannon, Head of Downing Renewable Developments said: “Being granted two planning consents in a week is another significant milestone for our business. Equally importantly, both projects received no objections from the public, showing the importance of how our team engage with local communities.

“Both projects show our commitment to the Midlands, and will make a contribution to the UK’s Net Zero goals. We are pleased to contribute to the transition to renewable energy, which should mean cheaper energy bills for British consumers.”

For more information about Downing Renewable Developments go to About Downing Renewable Developments

Downing has c.90 professionals dedicated to renewable energy and infrastructure and a proven track record in renewables. Since 2010, Downing has made over 200 investments in the core renewables space.