SP Energy Networks has initiated a public consultation seeking feedback on plans to link two major renewable energy projects in the Scottish Borders and Midlothian to the national grid.

The proposals involve the construction of new overhead lines to connect the Glenburnie Windfarm (formerly Longcroft) and the Torfichen Energy Park to a planned electricity compound located west of Oxton. This compound is part of a broader infrastructure upgrade intended to replace the existing line between Dun Law and the proposed Gala North substation.

The technical specifications for the two connections include:

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• Glenburnie Windfarm: A new 132kV, 7.5km overhead line using double trident wood poles ranging between 11 and 16 metres in height.

• Torfichen Energy Park: A 132kV, 20km route also utilizing double wood poles, running from an onsite substation to the Oxton compound.

Jordan Osbourne, Project Manager for SP Energy Networks, highlighted the scale of the works: "We're delivering the biggest upgrade the electricity grid has ever seen, ensuring our network can support a cleaner and greener future. This project is currently in its early stages, and we would like to hear the views of the local people on the preferred routes."

Public Consultation Events

Residents can attend drop-in sessions to view maps, speak with the project team, and provide feedback on the following dates:

• Monday 23 February (3pm – 7pm): Oxton War Memorial Hall, Station Road, Oxton, TD2 6PL (Covers both projects).

• Tuesday 24 February (3pm – 7pm): MacFie Hall, B709 Heriot, EH38 5YA (Focused on the Torfichen connection).

Feedback from these sessions will be integrated with environmental survey data to determine the final route alignment before a formal application is submitted to the Scottish Government's Energy Consents Unit.