National Grid T-Pylon prototype erected at site in Denmark

The winner of a UK competition aimed at developing a new generation of electricity pylons, the T-Pylon is shorter, lighter and simpler than existing lattice designs and could, claim its developers, help meet the expected demand for large numbers of new pylons.

Developed over a period of 11 months by National Grid, Bystrup, and Danish steel firm DS SM  the pylon was successfully erected by a team of four on its pre-installed monopile foundation. According to National Grid, this compares favourably, in terms of construction man hours, to today’s lattice pylons.

Made from uncoated steel, the pylo’s weathered appearance has been likened to the Angel of the North sculpture, and the design team is so pleased with the look that is now said to be considering using weathering steel (e.g. Corten), with the final design.

According to a National Grid blog on the project, one of the main lessons learned form the installation process was that the cast iron cast connections between the crossarm to the horn and crossarm to the mast, via the heart at the top of the pylon, are challenging and time-consuming to put together on site.