The new ‘T-pylons’ will replace the old lattice structures, which have been transferring electricity round the UK for 90 years.

The National Grid said the new design will help it respond to the growing need to transfer energy from renewable sources, to the grid.

The trial installation provides the first opportunity to see the new design at full scale and  reportedly represents an important step towards delivering T-pylon transmission lines.

Standing at around 36m tall, the T-pylons are 30% shorter than their predecessors reducing their environmental and visual impact. The design won an international competition back in 2011.

Next generation

David Wright, director of electricity transmission asset management at National Grid, said: “We developed the new style of pylon so that we could have a 21st century design to offer as we plan new transmission routes.

“The T-pylon is not a replacement for the steel lattice pylon but it’s a new option and in some landscapes its shorter height and sleeker appearance can offer real advantages.”

There are already 88,000 lattice pylons around the UK, and so the new design will primarily be used in the construction of new power lines in England and Wales.

The T-pylon is just one of a number of upgrades to the UK grid in recent years, as billions of pounds have been spent connecting the UK to renewable sources as well as the European mainland in an attempt to ‘keep the lights on’.

 Brad Allen

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