National Grid has revealed that the winner of its Pylon Design Competition, the T-pylon, could carry electricity from the proposed new nuclear station at Hinkley Point.
The T-pylon design beat out over 250 entries from around the world to win the National Grid’s Pylon Design competition. The design incorporates a single pole and T-shaped cross arms that hold all the conductors and wires. The design sheds up to 15 metres off the standard pylon design.
Secretary of state for energy and climate change, Edward Davey said: “To see T-pylon becoming a reality just 20 months after winning the competition is a fantastic achievement for National Grid and the Danish architects, Bystrup, and I’d like to congratulate them on their progress.
“One of the key objectives of the Pylon Design Competition was to see if innovations in design and technology could improve an 85 year old structure, and one that has divided popular opinion since its inauguration in the 1920s.
“We face a significant challenge over the coming years connecting new electricity plants to our homes and businesses. Now communities can be offered a new choice and a radical departure from the traditional lattice. A smaller pylon, one third shorter than its predecessor, with different finishes allowing it to blend into the landscape – T pylon is a striking and elegant design. I’m looking forward to seeing T-pylon put into service; a graceful, refined structure fit for the needs of our low carbon, 21st century.”
Nick Winser, National Grid executive director added: “The steel lattice pylon has served us well over the years and will continue to be part of the landscape but we’re looking forward to see people’s reaction to the new T pylon design”.
The video below shows the National Grid’s development of the new T-pylon:
