Downing Renewable Developments, a subsidiary of investment manager Downing, has appointed David Vernon as Head of NSIP Projects to lead the planning process for its pipeline of DCO (Development Consent Order) scale solar energy projects. He will initially focus on its 750MW Meridian and 500MW Kingsway solar projects.

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Downing Renewable Developments, which was recently awarded planning consent for the 49.9MW Meerdyke Solar Farm near Marshland St James in Norfolk, has a 6GW pipeline of renewable energy development projects across the UK with more than 25 sites at different stages of development.

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David Vernon joins from Carter Jonas where he was a Partner and Head of Infrastructure Consents and brings more than 20 years’ experience of project planning processes. His previous experience includes roles with Network Rail and National Grid and he has worked across both the UK and in Australia. He has worked on achieving consent for nationally significant infrastructure projects since 2008.

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Tony Gannon, Head of Downing Renewable Developments said: “David brings huge experience and expertise to Downing Renewable Developments and will play a significant role as we undertake increasing development activity on our pipeline of projects.”

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David Vernon added: ”Downing Renewable Developments is at a very exciting stage as it grows its business and I look forward to working with colleagues and partners across the UK.”

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Downing has more than 60 professionals dedicated to renewable energy and infrastructure and a proven track record in renewables. Since 2010, Downing has made over 190 investments in the core renewables space.

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Learn more about information about Energy & Infrastructure at Downing.