TWO politicians made a visit to Whitelee Windfarm this week as part of an inquiry into Scotland’s electricity infrastructure.

Fiona Hyslop MSP and Monica Lennon MSP from the Scottish Parliament’s Net Zero, Energy, and Transport Committee visited the windfarm on Monday, April 24.

The pair also visited the Scottish Power (SP) Energy Network National control room in Glasgow along with Liam Kerr MSP, who also sits on the committee.

During their visit to both locations, the MSPs learned about the vital role of electricity infrastructure in Scotland’s net zero journey and how onshore wind technology works, how it integrates with the electricity network, and the challenges and opportunities involved in scaling up renewable energy production.

They also met with staff at both sites where they were able to gain insights into the regulatory regime in which SP operate and the challenges they face while maintaining the distribution and transmission grid networks across southern Scotland.

Fiona Hyslop MSP, deputy convener of the Net Zero, Energy, and Transport Committee, said: “We were very pleased to visit the SP Energy Networks control room and get a hands-on understanding of the challenges of maintaining a secure supply of electricity in real time to households across central and southern Scotland.

“It was also fascinating to visit Scotland’s largest onshore windfarm at Whitelee. Further advances in renewable energy and battery storage will be needed as an increasingly important part of Scotland’s energy mix, and we are keen to understand how the sector can continue to grow and thrive in the years to come.

“This visit has given us a greater understanding of both the challenges and opportunities involved in scaling up renewable energy production across Scotland and we’ve gained valuable insights into grid capacity through our discussions with the industry experts and representatives from Scottish Power.”

Hyslop continued to say: “As wind power is one of the key players in Scotland’s sustainable energy mix, the committee inquiry has a focus on understanding more about barriers to achieving the Scottish Government’s ambition for onshore wind and of the challenges ahead.”