The National Grid has energised 36 of the “world’s first” T-pylons between Bridgewater and Loxton in Somerset – the first new pylon design in the UK since 1927, according to National Grid.
Selected from over 250 designs as part of an international competition in 2011, the T-pylons consist of a single pole attached to cross-shaped arms and are roughly a third shorter than traditional high-voltage pylon’s with a small ground footprint.
Up to 400,000 volts will now pass through the T-pylons as well as a newly constructed electricity substation in Stanford and 8.5km of underground cables through the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Beauty.
Construction of the pylons began in September 2021 as part of the £900 million Hinkley Connection Project to build a 57km high-voltage electricity line connecting six million homes and business to low carbon energy.
“We’re extremely proud to have reached this significant milestone on the Hinkley Connection Project,” said Steven Haskayne, project director for National Grid.
“The T-pylons are now reinforcing and strengthening the network in the South West and are ready for the connection of low carbon energy when Hinkley Point C starts generating.
“This new design forms part of our significant investment in the network in England and Wales, adding capacity onto the grid to deliver low carbon electricity to millions of people across the UK to use for years to come, and helping the UK’s journey towards net zero.”
