Qair has received planning approval for a 50-megawatt (MW) battery energy storage system (BESS) in Aberdeenshire, marking the company’s first consented standalone storage project in the UK.
The development, named the Middleton Farm Energy Storage Facility, is being led by Green Switch Capital, part of the Qair Group. The project was approved by Aberdeenshire Council, with planning consultancy support from Locogen.
Located near Potterton, the 1.3-hectare facility will be capable of importing and exporting up to 49.9MW of electricity to the local grid. The system is intended to improve grid stability and help maximise the efficiency of renewable energy use, particularly during periods of high demand or excess generation.
This is a landmark moment for Qair UK as we expand into standalone energy storage,” said Pete McLaren, Head of Scottish Development at Qair UK. “Battery storage is critical to unlocking the full potential of renewables in the UK, and we’re proud to contribute to a more resilient and flexible energy system.
The project includes a biodiversity plan featuring new tree and scrub planting, as well as a transport and landscaping strategy designed to minimise environmental and community impacts.
The approval adds to Qair UK’s growing portfolio of renewable energy projects, including more than 140MW of solar developments consented across the UK over the past 18 months. The company said battery storage will play an increasing role in enabling the transition to a low-carbon energy system.
