This September, Bristol Port welcomed the first of National Grid’s new T-pylons to the UK.  Balfour Beatty will build 116 of the new pylons as part of the Hinkley Connection Project - a new, high voltage, 57km connection between Bridgwater and Avonmouth. The project is a significant investment in new energy infrastructure in the South West and will connect 6 million homes and businesses to new sources of low-carbon energy, including Hinkley Point C.

The new T-pylon design was selected from over 250 proposals submitted to an international competition set up by the Royal Institute of British Architects and government, which encouraged candidates to design a new pylon that had a reduced impact on the environment and surroundings. The chosen ‘T-design’ is the first new pylon design in Great Britain for nearly a century, is a third shorter than traditional pylons at 35 metres in height and has a smaller ground footprint to mitigate the impact on surrounding landscape.

Miles Adams, Commercial Manager at Bristol Port said: “The Bristol Port is proud to play a critical role in the safe delivery, secure storage and onward travel of National Grid’s T-pylon infrastructure. Moreover, we are delighted to be a part of a landmark project that will improve local infrastructure and help the country move towards low carbon energy.”

Steven Haskayne, Senior Project Manager for National Grid said: “National Grid and our contractors are pleased to be able to work with the Bristol Port Company to bring the components of the world’s first operational T-pylons into Avonmouth. It means we can bring further commercial benefit to the region that is home to the Hinkley Connection Project.”

The construction of the T-pylons has commenced, and Bristol Port will be supporting National Grid and Balfour Beatty until the completion of the Hinkley Connection project by the end of 2025.