THE National Grid have successfully energised and installed the world's first T-pylons between Bridgwater and Loxton.
The 36 pylons have been constructed as part of the Hinkley Connection Project, a 57km high-voltage electricity line that will connect six million properties to low carbon energy sources.
It is hoped that the £900 million project will help the UK meet its net zero target by 2050.
This will mean that we use more sustainable energy sources and massively reduce our carbon emissions, with any carbon that is released into the atmosphere being reabsorbed by our oceans and forests.
Right now, up to 400,000 volts of electricity is 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.
The plan is to construct another 80 T-pylons by 2024.
Unlike the traditional pylon design, the new pylons have a single pole and cross shaped arms.
They are also around a third shorter than the old pylons. It is hoped that the smaller structure will reduce the impact on the local environment and surroundings.
The new design was selected from over 250 designs entered into an international competition run in 2011, organised by the Royal Institute of British Architects and government (the then Department of Energy and Climate Change).
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.”
The new T-pylon design is a potential technology choice for future projects, which will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
The technology is used by National Grid based on planning policy and regulations set by Ofgem as well as engineering, environmental and cost considerations.
To find out more about the new pylons, visit the National Grid website.
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