Balerno Community Council and members of the public heard a presentation from SP Energy Networks on the Cloich Wind Farm Connection project at their April 2025 meeting, the first for the newly-elected council.
Andy Hutchison, the SP Energy representative, told those present in Balerno High School that the wind farm project was to facilitate the effective transmission of electricity generated by the Cloich Forrest project.
A comprehensive plan has been proposed to build a new 132kV overhead line circuit using “trident shaped” poles not pylons and the circuit is intended to span an estimated 40 kilometers to link the Cloich Forrest wind farm with the Currie 132kV sub-station.
Hutchison said this would enable the efficient integration of renewable energy into the electricity grid and he added: “This project not only underscores the commitment to sustainable energy development but also aims to enhance energy security for the region."
Careful routing, he said, has taken note of environmental considerations, including biodiversity, as the proposed route cuts through an area of high amenity, and landscape architects, ornithologists, town planners and ecologists have been involved in the planning stages.
Hutchison confirmed that the energy would be transmitted by poles – to be transported to the site by helicopter - to a “termination point” near Currie and then introduced to underground cables for the remainder of its journey.
He stressed that the company “wished to work with communities” on the project and added: “We are on a mission to develop a safe, secure and resilient network that’s ready for New Zero, to tackle climate change and build a cleaner future for the communities we serve.”
The SP Energy Networks reprersentative was questioned by members of the public and he stressed that any concerns, and those of the Community Council, should be directed to them through appropriate portals..
