Qair Gains Majority Ownership in 15-GW Renewable Energy Platform in the UK

French independent power producer (IPP) Qair said today it has acquired a “significant majority share" in UK-based onshore wind, solar and energy storage developer Green Switch Capital (GSC), which has a 15-GW-plus project pipeline.

The transaction, the value of which was kept under wraps, is aligned with the French group’s efforts to expand and diversify its operations in the British market where it aims to be a leading IPP. With the ownership stake in GSC, Qair will be able to offer competitive energy solutions to its clients, it said.

The assets held by Liverpool-based Green Switch Capital will complement Qair’s existing portfolio in the UK, which consists of offshore wind, waste-to-energy and onshore renewable projects. Half of the schemes within the pipeline of the British firm already have grid offers, land leases and grid connection agreements in place. The first of these projects are planned to go online in 2026.

“This acquisition perfectly aligns with our strategic goal of expanding our presence in the UK market and further strengthens our commitment to delivering competitive renewable energy solutions,” said Louis Blanchard, CEO of Qair.

Qair has been operating in the UK market since 2022 after being awarded 2 GW of offshore wind capacity in Scotland in the ScotWind leasing round. It also owns two waste-to-energy projects and several onshore wind and solar projects in the country.