Penny Laurenson

Penny Laurenson is the Director of Environmental Planning and Sustainability for Europe and International at Lightsource BP. She has been with the company since its inception in 2010, initially establishing its environmental planning team in the UK. Laurenson plays a crucial role in managing environmental planning strategies across various regions, including EMEA, APAC, and South America. Her responsibilities encompass permitting, Environmental Impact Assessments, stakeholder engagement, and compliance with environmental regulations.13

Laurenson holds a Master's degree in Regional and Resource Planning from the University of Otago, where she graduated with Distinction, and a PGCert in UK Planning Law and Practice from Leeds Metropolitan University, also with Distinction. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Geography and Psychology from the University of Otago, achieving a First equivalent.2

Before joining Lightsource BP, Laurenson worked in various roles in New Zealand, including positions at the Environmental Protection Authority and the Ministry for the Environment, as well as consulting for MWH (now part of Stantec) and Heritage New Zealand.13 She is also actively involved in industry initiatives, currently serving as Vice Chair of Solar Power Europe's Land Use and Permitting workstream, focusing on promoting sustainable practices within the solar energy sector.14