Construction of the new-style higher-voltage electricity pylons are being built at the National Grid’s Nottinghamshire training facility.



The new design was approved in 2011 after a competition to find a replacement for the iconic pylons that have been in place since the 1930s. The winner of the competition was Danish-based architecture and engineering practice Bystrup who devised a monopole structure with T-shaped cross arm.



Following the development of the initial prototype of the T pylon in Denmark, the new family of pylons will be built in the UK.

The 6 pylons are to be built by Balfour Beaty at the Eakring Academy who aim to have work on the bases completed by January 2016.



Energy and climate change secretary Edward Davey said: “Love them or hate them, pylons will carry electricity to homes across the country for many years to come. While there are plans for cables to be buried under our most beautiful landscapes, we also need to keep consumer bills as low as possible – which means that pylons still have a vital role particularly for rural communities, and it’s important that we move with the times and make sure they’re as good looking and efficient as possible. The T-pylon is a model for the future and it’s great to see the design becoming reality.”



David Wright, National Grid’s director of electricity transmission asset management said: “The test line has a major role to play in the successful delivery of the T pylon. It will enable us to develop construction techniques before we use the T pylon on a new transmission line and we will be able to train engineers on maintenance and cabling of the pylons – all vitally important with such a new design."



The iconic steel lattice pylons are not being completely replaced or phased out, rather the National Grid intends to offer the T-pylons as an alternative option for communities when they are at the planning stage for new power routes.