Downing expands into data centres with 500MW pipeline
Author: Joe Peck
Downing Renewable Developments (DRD), a UK developer of solar, battery storage, and onshore wind projects, has expanded into data centre development, establishing an initial pipeline of more than 500MW of advanced projects in Sweden and Finland.
The most advanced sites are in central Sweden and southern Finland, with land secured and grid connections anticipated before 2030.
Permitting for the first projects is expected to begin shortly, with the sites targeting Powered Land status by Q4 2027. This means securing both the land and power capacity needed for future data centre development.
Linking data centre development with renewable energy
The move builds on DRD’s experience developing renewable energy projects across the UK and Nordics. The company says it is using this expertise to identify suitable data centre locations whilst exploring opportunities to supply clean energy to sites throughout their operational lives.
Tony Gannon, Head of Downing Renewable Developments, comments, “Data centres and energy infrastructure are becoming increasingly interconnected. Access to power is a fundamental consideration when identifying where new data centre capacity can be developed, which makes this a natural extension of our existing renewable energy development capabilities.”
Tom Williams, Head of Energy and Infrastructure at Downing, adds that the company aims to provide firmed power from portfolios of renewable generation assets to its data centre developments, offering long-term supply security while reducing their impact on the grid and the environment.
