BayWa r.e., the renewable energy arm of Germany’s BayWa AG, has received planning consent for its 500-megawatt (MW) Redshaw battery energy storage system (BESS) in South Lanarkshire, marking the company’s largest storage project in Europe to date.
The project, approved under Section 36 of the Electricity Act, will be located near Scottish Power Transmission’s planned 400/132kV Redshaw substation at the B6 boundary—an important transmission bottleneck between Scotland and England.
BayWa r.e. said the facility will help ease grid congestion, improve energy security, and contribute to the UK’s decarbonisation goals. The company also highlighted the project’s role in supporting flexible energy infrastructure amid growing renewable generation.
“Securing planning consent for Redshaw BESS is more than a milestone for our project: it is a commitment to the future stability of the UK grid and the acceleration of our clean energy transition,” said Gemma Hamilton, head of development strategy and origination at BayWa r.e. UK.
Hamilton noted that the approval process was completed “swiftly” through cooperation with the Scottish government, South Lanarkshire Council, statutory consultees, and the local community.
In addition to grid benefits, BayWa r.e. said the development will deliver local gains through a £50,000-per-year Community Benefit Fund. The company also plans ecological improvements at the site, including woodland planting, peatland restoration, and habitat management.
“At 500MW, this facility will be our largest battery storage project in Europe,” said Dr. Daniel Gaefke, BayWa r.e.’s chief operating officer. “It is part of a growing portfolio of BESS projects, demonstrating our operational expertise and dedication to grid flexibility.”
The Redshaw project adds to a growing number of large-scale energy storage developments in the UK, which are viewed as key to balancing intermittent renewable supply and ensuring system reliability.
