Strategic Project Development Director
18+ years of experience delivering over $8B in large-scale infrastructure projects across energy, transport, aviation and urban planning. Specialising in renewable energy development in Australia, with expertise spanning land, grid, planning and commercial strategy. Skilled in leading complex developments from origination through approvals to delivery readiness, turning high-stake challenges into bankable opportunities.
About Jorge
Embark on a journey with Jorge Van Den Brande, a Strategic Project Development Director who turns complex regulatory challenges into viable investment opportunities by expertly navigating the approval processes that make or break projects. Discover the blend of expertise, creativity, and dedication that defines his professional ethos.
Experience
Professional Timeline
Senior Development Manager
Total Energies H2 (TE H2)
Led groundbreaking renewable energy projects with a focus on innovation and efficiency, collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver sustainable solutions.
Development Manager
Fotovoltaico Renewables Venture (FRV)
Managed approvals for large-scale renewable energy developments, ensuring regulatory compliance and derisking prior to Financial Close.
Technical Lead – Environmental Planning
NGH Consulting Pty Ltd
Coordinated and reviewed environmental assessments for large-scale renewable energy projects, as well as transport and other areas of local planning, ensuring alignment with stakeholder interests and strategic regulatory approvals.
Planning Adviser – Commission Secretariat
NSW Independent Planning Commission
Delivered efficiencies, steered SSD approvals, de-risked renewable projects, and resolved contentious community issues to secure State-significant outcomes.
Project Manager- Environmental Consultant
BBEnvironmental Consultancy
Pioneered innovative infrastructure audit solutions, leveraging advanced methodologies to address complex compliance challenges and elevate industry standards.
Environmental Planning Specialist
Gran Nacional Minera Mariscal Sucre Mining Company (GNMMS)
Directed end-to-end lifecycle of mining projects, ensuring deliverables were on time, within budget, and complied with legislation.
Environmental Planning and Project Coordinator
Ecuambiente Consulting Group
Streamlined assessments with standardized processes, improved delivery by 40%, reduced review issues by 65%, managed EIS approvals, and guided junior staff.
Skills
Project Development & Approvals
Renewable Energy
Environmental Planning
Grid Connection
Land Acquisition
Commercial & Finance
Financial Close
Contract Negotiation
Risk Management
Stakeholder Engagement
Regulatory & Compliance
EPBC Act
Planning Approvals
Environmental Assessment
Aboriginal Heritage
Leadership & Management
Team Leadership
Project Management
Consultant Management
Strategic Planning
Education
Academic Achievements
BSc Environmental Engineer and Natural Resources
Certified Environmental Practitioner - CENVP
Continued Formation
Foundations of Finance - University of Cambridge (2021)
Smart Cities Management
Mobility and Urbanism - École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (2018)
Project Management - PMI Venezuela
Career Milestones
$8B+
Total Project Value Delivered
18+
Years of Expertise
100%
Regulatory Compliance Rate
Professional Recognitions
Renewable Mega-Project Leader
Strategic Development
Advanced a 12,000ha (3.5GW / $5.8B) renewable project, securing land agreements, negotiating with Aboriginal stakeholders, optimising layouts, and achieving key grid and planning consents.
Risk Resolution Champion
Turnaround Specialist
Rescued projects from unfeasibility, averted stop-work risks, and secured planning and environmental approvals to keep developments moving.
Framework Innovator
Operational Excellence
Designed and implemented a project management system that cut budget overruns, improved accountability, and streamlined resource tracking across complex portfolios.
Seasoned Consultant
Industry Knowledge
Provided advice, information analysis and sharing insights on the latest trends and best practices in renewable energy, Oil and Gas, human resources and other technical areas, for large consultancy firms like GLG and Dialecticanet.
Due Diligence Specialist
Liability Prevention
Prevented AU$10M in client liabilities with rigorous environmental due diligence, securing timely approvals, building regulator trust, and delivering projects end-to-end.
Environmental Mentor
Mentorship Role
Served as a mentor in sustainable development initiatives, inspiring and guiding the next generation of environmental specialists and development managers.
Contact
Get in touch for any inquiries or feedback. I am here to assist you in advancing sustainable and innovative renewable energy projects, as well as peer reviewing environmental planning documents and processes.