Downing Renewable Developments (DRD) has obtained two planning consents as part of its ongoing efforts to advance its UK renewable energy development pipeline.
The company has received approval for a 40MW battery energy storage system (BESS) project in Heanor, Derbyshire, in the East Midlands, and for a 100MW BESS project near Rowley Regis in the West Midlands.
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The projects will add the assets to Downing-managed funds.
Both were approved without public objections, highlighting DRD’s dedication to engaging with local communities and its focus on creating local opportunities through jobs and community benefit payments.
The Downing subsidiary received its first planning consent in 2024 for a 49.9MW solar farm in Norfolk – part of its 6GW development pipeline across the UK.
The project in Rowley Regis, named the Edwin Richards energy storage park, will store enough energy to supply 300,000 homes for two hours, while the Heanor energy park will store enough renewable energy to power 120,000 homes for the same duration.
Downing Renewable Developments head Tony Gannon stated: “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 engages 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.”
