The report by Somerset Correspondent, Ben McGrail provides a visual overview of the project and some key updates on the progress made on the stringing, an engineering term for hanging the wires (conductors) between the unique structures.
48 of the T-pylons have now been constructed between Bridgwater and Loxton in Somerset and engineers have been putting the wires in place that will carry low-carbon energy onto the electricity network.
The National Grid-funded courses helped the association to conserve and enhance dry stone walls in the Mendip Hills as the AONB unit celebrated the 50th anniversary of the area being recognised with special AONB status. Without regular maintenance, the walls collapse. 60 per cent of the area’s 260 miles of walls have already done so.
T-pylons are an innovative new pylon for overhead electricity lines. They have a single pole and T-shaped cross arms, which feature suspension diamond insulators – like ‘earrings’ – which hold the wires, or conductors. 48 of the T-pylons have now been constructed between Bridgwater and Loxton in Somerset and engineers have been putting in place the conductors that will carry the low carbon energy onto the electricity network.
NGET currently use batteries alongside diesel generators to provide backup power to a substation for key activities such as cooling fans, pumps, and lighting, enabling it to continue to perform its crucial role in the electricity transmission system.
These backup generators are rarely used and have less than a 1% chance of operating per year, however, on the rare occasion that backup power is required, changing from diesel to low-carbon emission alternatives have the potential to reduce carbon intensity by 90%* and save over 500,000kg of carbon emissions
The energy system is in the middle of a significant transformation. Government targets of 40GW of offshore wind generation by 2030 and net zero emissions by 2050 are bringing challenges such as delivering the infrastructure needed to support increasing amounts of renewable energy and facilitate a nationwide rollout of electric vehicles.
As part of National Grid’s commitment to reduce the visual impact of construction works and the permanent structures being built along the route, 1,257 trees, 39,527 m2 of woodland and 9,960 linear metres of hedges were planted in the 2021/22 winter planting season.
The planting season runs from November to March each year and by March 2025 National Grid has committed to planting a total of 5,959 trees, 33,995 linear metres of hedgerow and 277,060 square metres of woodland planting.
The Blue Recovery Leaders Group meeting at WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre, Gloucestershire, on 4 March, was chaired by chair of Natural England, Tony Juniper. Attendees included His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, and representatives from sectors including housing, water, charity, engineering, banking and landowners. WWT’s incoming chief executive, Sarah Fowler, also attended the event.
The members of the Blue Recovery Leaders Group include:
The £10,000 funding came at a time when support for youth services had been withdrawn, the youth club had closed down, and the club was dealing with the impact of the COVID-19 lockdowns.
The grant ensured that The Space could provide support to young people, both in their own environment and together with other young people.
Transformers play a vital role in helping to ensure the UK continues to enjoy safe and reliable electricity supplies, and we are connecting a new one at Berkswell Substation to meet extra demand in the Coventry and Warwickshire area.
The transformer is expected to leave Goole Docks at 8am on Sunday 6 March and should arrive at Berkswell electricity substation by mid-afternoon.