Darren Blanch

Specialize in performing biomass resource assessments, feasibility studies, and risk analyses to optimize supply chains. Provide clients with data-driven insights to make strategic, tactical, and operational decisions while ensuring sustainability and compliance with certification standards.

• Conducted a detailed risk analysis of biomass fuel availability, quantifying 550,000 bone-dry tonnes of woody biomass within the defined supply basin.
• Delivered actionable insights that supported Procter & Gamble's data-driven decision-making for a $100M combined heat and power (CHP) expansion at the Belleville, ON plant.
• Performed comprehensive pricing and supply chain analysis, delivering decision-supporting intelligence on market competitiveness and supply availability.
• Developed strategic frameworks for biomass sustainability and certification, supporting long-term client goals and policy alignment.
• Conducted scenario-based risk assessments to quantify the impact of market volatility, enabling informed investment decisions for biofuel projects.
• Helped author technical reports and presented findings to stakeholders, driving key decision-making processes.
• Provided technical guidance on supportive funding and incentives and environmental compliance, fostering client trust and project credibility.

Led feasibility assessments and risk evaluations for economic development agencies, communities, and renewable energy projects across North America. Managed interdisciplinary project teams to deliver comprehensive biomass supply assessments, offering clients actionable recommendations for optimizing supply chains and mitigating risk.

• Directed comprehensive feasibility and supply chain risk evaluations for $50M+ renewable energy projects, mitigating vulnerabilities and improving efficiency.
• Delivered feasibility studies that influenced project financing and investment decisions, securing stakeholder confidence.
• Enhanced biomass price forecasting and market intelligence, enabling clients to align procurement strategies with market trends.
• Helped design and implement a system for tracking biomass feedstock availability, improving operational accuracy and project timelines.

Managed a portfolio of 250+ site locations across Greater Vancouver, focusing on site acquisition, real estate negotiations, and municipal approvals to support network expansion and overlay projects.

• Spearheaded market research that identified high-potential opportunities, contributing to growth in network expansion projects.
• Negotiated lease agreements for wireless telecom sites, achieving cost savings while meeting long-term strategic objectives.
• Cultivated relationships with community stakeholders, expediting project approvals.
• Optimized real estate budgeting processes, improving cost efficiency and financial reporting accuracy.
• Designed and implemented a tracking system for site acquisition milestones, enhancing transparency and efficiency.

Oversaw the acquisition and phased development of a 320-acre site, managing budgets, coordinating subcontractors, and navigating regulatory compliance to ensure successful project delivery.

• Executed due diligence and financial modeling for the acquisition of a 320-acre site, securing favorable purchase terms and mitigating risks.
• Reduced project expenses by 12% through optimized budgeting and cost control measures during the pre-construction phase.
• Directed subcontractor activities and technical studies, completing the project under budget and ahead of schedule.
• Conducted zoning investigations and highest-and-best-use analyses, ensuring alignment with long-term development goals.
• Navigated complex approval processes by preparing permit applications and ensuring adherence to local codes to help facilitate successful project approvals.

Managed feedstock procurement, offtake agreements, and partnerships to help grow the company from inception to commercialization, securing new markets and scaling production capacity.

• Structured and secured long-term offtake contracts valued at ~$30M, driving 40% growth in monthly sales through expanded international channels.
• Established distribution partnerships in South Korea and Japan, facilitating joint project development with three prominent trading houses.
• Increased biofuel production capacity by 5x through multi-stakeholder co-venture arrangements and secured project financing.
• Managed feedstock supply chains valued at ~$17M, optimizing procurement, freight, and export logistics for biofuels.

Collaborated with executive teams to design corporate development strategies, execute transactions, and secure financing for cleantech ventures.

• Facilitated acquisitions, divestitures, and financing for 14+ companies, securing over $60M in sourced financing offerings for growth and turnaround initiatives.
• Advised on four public listing mandates, including the divestiture of a clean coal technology company and its successful listing on The Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE).
• Structured and executed private placements and bridge financing deals, addressing client liquidity challenges.
• Delivered comprehensive market analyses and investment proposals that influenced executive decision-making.

offered through Coursera

• Vice President, FISA (Finance Investments Students Association)
• Delegate Member, CONMUN (Concordia Model United Nations)
• External Relations and Fundraising Manager, CASA CARES Charity Organization