PVTIME – The French renewable energy company Qair has announced that its 49.9MW energy storage system project in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, has been granted planning permission by UK authorities.
This is Qair’s first approved energy storage project in the UK, representing a significant milestone in its entry into the country’s clean energy market, as well as a key expansion of its strategic presence in Europe’s energy transition. Specialising in renewable energy, Qair currently has 1.7GW of capacity under construction or in operation, as well as a 34GW pipeline of projects across 20 countries in Europe, Latin America, and Africa.
According to data from the European Market Monitor for Energy Storage (EMMES 9.0), Europe’s total energy storage capacity reached 89GW by the end of 2024, with a further 128GW projected to be added by 2030. This growth is driven by rising demand for grid balancing and auxiliary services, as well as a heightened focus on energy supply security. The UK stands out as a key European market for energy storage, thanks to its stable policy framework, mature grid infrastructure, and dynamic investment landscape, factors that are drawing developers such as Qair to accelerate their local plans.
Using the Scottish project as a launchpad, Qair is rolling out a coordinated expansion of its energy storage business across Europe. The company is currently developing around 17GWh of storage projects, including over 800MWh already secured in Poland. Further projects are also progressing in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Greece, Romania, and other European nations.
These developments are set to boost the integration of renewable energy, strengthening regional energy independence and system resilience.
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