First new pylon design in the UK for nearly 100 years comes to Somerset
The T-design is around a third shorter than the traditional design with a smaller ground footprint
Electricity is flowing in Somerset, through the first new pylon design in the UK for nearly 100 years.
National Grid says it's a major milestone in their Hinkley Connection project to connect 6 million homes and businesses in the South West to home grown, low carbon energy.
36 of the world's first T-pylons have been successfully energised between Bridgwater and Loxton.
The T-design, with a single pole and cross shaped arms, is around a third shorter than the traditional design with a smaller ground footprint.
The T-pylons are now incorporated into National Grid’s electricity transmission network delivering electricity in Somerset and across England and Wales.
The new shaped pylons have been constructed as part of the £900 million Hinkley Connection Project.
It's to help the UK to meet its net zero by 2050 target.
High-voltage electricity – up to 400,000 volts – is now passing through the T-pylons, a newly constructed electricity substation at Sandford and 8.5km of underground cables through the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
A further 80 T-pylons will be completed and energised by 2024.
The conductors are now energised and transporting electricity around the National Grid’s electricity network.
Steven Haskayne, Project Director for National Grid said: "We’re extremely proud to have reached this significant milestone on the Hinkley Connection Project.
“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.”