The contract covers delivery of six ‘T-Pylons’, a concept that departs from the traditional lattice structures common around the world, which will be erected at the National Grid’s Eakring training academy.
The innovative pylon design, hatched by Danish engineering outfit Bystrup, is made up of a single pole and T-shaped cross arms that supports the transmission lines in a diamond configuration.
A T-Pylon will stand 35 metres tall, some 10-15 metres shorter than conventional lattice towers.
"Mabey Bridge helped construct the traditional lattice structures when Britain’s electricity grid was first connected during the last century, and this order confirms our world leading manufacturing processes to help meet the needs of 21st energy infrastructure," says Mabey Bridge Energy & Marine managing director Mark Coia.
“We look forward to working with National Grid over the coming years as the prototype of the T-Pylon design is developed further to support Britain’s electricity grid.”
David Wright, National Grid's director of electricity transmission asset management, adds: “The test line at Eakring will allow us to fully rehearse how we might construct and maintain the T-pylon when in use and this contract with Mabey Bridge marks the start of that journey.”
Bystrup's winning design was chosen from 250 submitted as part of an international competition organised by the Department of Energy and Climate Change, Royal Institute of British Architects and National Grid.
