French renewable energy firm Qair has gained Scottish government approval for its 342 megawatt battery storage project in South Lanarkshire. This move on October 10, 2025, boosts the UK’s push toward cleaner power by tackling grid issues from surging wind and solar output.
The Red Moss battery energy storage system marks a big step for Qair in the UK market. It will help store extra renewable energy that might otherwise go to waste, easing pressure on the national grid.
Project Overview and Key Features
The Red Moss project sits on a former industrial brownfield site, making smart use of unused land. This location near vital grid connections allows the system to link straight to the transmission network, cutting down on energy losses.
Workers will build 148 battery units and a fresh 132 kilovolt substation called Redshaw. The setup aims to handle up to two hours of full power discharge, key for balancing daily energy needs.
Qair UK, running under the name Green Switch Capital, teamed up with experts during the planning phase to meet all rules. This approval came from Scottish ministers after a detailed review by the Energy Consents Unit.
- The project spans about 10 hectares of land.
- It targets reducing curtailment of renewables by storing surplus power.
- Construction could start soon, with operations eyed for late 2026.
- Local jobs in building and maintenance are expected to number in the dozens.
Qair’s Growing Role in UK Renewables
Qair entered the UK scene in 2022 and has ramped up fast. The company now boasts over 1 gigawatt of global installed capacity and a whopping 34 gigawatts in the works across continents.
This summer, Qair scored its first UK battery win with a 49.9 megawatt unit in Aberdeenshire. That project, approved in July 2025, covers 1.3 hectares and ties into the local grid for similar stability gains.1
In the past 18 months alone, Qair has locked in permits for more than 140 megawatts of solar farms nationwide. These efforts show a clear focus on mixing storage with generation to fight climate change.
Pete McLaren, head of development for Scotland at Qair UK, called the Red Moss nod a turning point. He noted how its spot and setup respect the area while strengthening the grid.
Boosting Scotland’s Green Energy Push
Scotland leads in renewables, with wind farms churning out record power. Yet, the grid often struggles to move that energy south to England, leading to waste.
Battery projects like Red Moss fix this by holding power for peak times. This cuts costs for consumers and supports the net zero goal by 2050.
Recent moves underline the trend. Just days ago, Balance Power got the go-ahead for a 100 megawatt site near Blairgowrie.2 OnPath Energy also won approval for 200 megawatts elsewhere in the country.3
Experts say these builds could draw £800 million in investments to Scotland’s storage sector this year. They help weave in more offshore wind, a hot topic after recent North Sea deals.
To show the scale, here is a quick look at some fresh Scottish battery approvals:
| Project Name | Capacity (MW) | Location | Approval Date | Developer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red Moss BESS | 342 | South Lanarkshire | October 2025 | Qair UK |
| Hallyburton BESS | 100 | Perthshire | October 2025 | Balance Power |
| OnPath BESS | 200 | Undisclosed | Recent 2025 | OnPath Energy |
| Middleton Farm | 49.9 | Aberdeenshire | July 2025 | Qair UK |
This table highlights how storage is exploding, with capacities doubling yearly.
Challenges and Broader Impacts
Building big batteries brings hurdles like supply chain snags for lithium cells. Scotland faces debates over land use, though brownfield picks like Red Moss dodge wildlife worries.
Still, the upsides shine. Stored energy could power thousands of homes during storms, much like how Europe’s largest site in Fife went live earlier this year at 300 megawatts.4
Qair’s global reach, including green hydrogen in France, ties into UK plans for hydrogen hubs. This project aligns with the government’s super battery scheme, which just advanced several sites for funding.5
On the flip side, fires at sites like Moss Landing in California raise safety flags, but UK rules demand top fire suppression. Qair stresses its designs meet strict standards to avoid such risks.
Looking Ahead to a Flexible Grid
As the UK eyes more renewables, storage like Red Moss will be vital. It not only curbs waste but also stabilizes prices amid global energy shakes.
Qair plans more UK projects, with a pipeline over 15 gigawatts. This could mean even bigger batteries by 2027, blending with solar and wind for round-the-clock clean power.
The Red Moss win fits a wave of approvals, signaling Scotland’s storage boom. It promises jobs, lower bills, and a greener future for all.
What do you think of this battery push in Scotland? Share your views in the comments below and spread the word on social media to keep the energy talk going.
