Climate Editor by Justin Rowlatt.
Image source, National GridThe first 36 of the new T-shaped electricity pylons have been wired up.
The first new design in the UK since 1927, the pylons, will be rolled out across England and Wales.
They are strung below a cross-arm atop a single pole instead of an Eiffel-Tower-style lattice A-frame with a series of arms holding the electricity cables.
Reducing the visual impact on the environment is the goal.
The Royal Institute of British Architects and the government selected the new design submitted by Bystrup.
They are about a third shorter than traditional high-voltage pylons and have a smaller ground footprint.
The first ones form part of a route that will carry low-carbon electricity between Bridgwater and Portbury.
Image source, EDF EnergyNational Grid says that the power station will connect to six million homes and businesses.
October is when the electricity supply will be turned on.
The old-style pylons will be removed as part of the project.
The winning design was submitted by US engineering company Miliken Brothers, and was chosen by a leading British architect.
From the Greek word "pyle" meaning "gateway", they became known as "transmission towers".
The 1922 discovery of boy king Tutankhamun's tomb and mummy was the start of Egyptology.
The public thought the steel towers looked like the obelisks on the side of the doors of ancient Egyptian temples.
In England and Wales, there are more than 22,000 pylons.
They need to be high enough to avoid obstacles such as roads, rivers and railway lines.
There is a high risk of electric shocks because the electricity cables are uninsulated.
The electricity stays in the power line because birds are not touching the ground.
All Rights Reserved © 2024
