The six pylons will form a test line for the new design and will include all five of the required variations to meet the different operational needs such as turning corners or terminating lines and taking them underground. National Grid said the test line is expected to be completed by next summer.
National Grid has been working with Danish architecture and engineering firm Bystrup on the pylon since 2011. The prototype for the pylon was previously built and tested in Denmark but this is the first time they have been built in the UK.
It is also the first time that all the electrical insulators will be fitted on the pylon which is only 35 metres high.
National Grid’s director of electricity transmission asset management, David Wright, 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 T pylon is not set to replace the familiar steel lattice pylon but it is an alternative option we can offer communities when we are building new transmission routes”.
Secretary of state for energy and climate change, Edward Davey, said: “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.”
The T pylon design was the winning design by Bystrup from 250 entries to a competition held by the department of energy and climate change, the Royal Institute of British Architects and National Grid in 2011 for a new pylon design.
Specialist steel manufacturer Mabey Bridge will be making the pylon structures at their factory in Chepstow, South Wales. Balfour Beatty has won the contract to make the foundations and assemble and erect the pylons, which should take place in spring next year.
Source: Utility Week
URL: http://utilityweek.co.uk/news/work-starts-on-first-t-style-pylons-in-the-uk/1074042#.VHNZVvnIax0