THE Hinkley Connection Project which aims to bring low carbon power to six million homes has reached a major milestone.

National Grid has installed overhead conductors on all 116 of its new T-pylons, the last of which was completed on a pylon near Yatton.

Each T-pylon supports 12 conductors, meaning that National Grid and contractor Balfour Beatty have installed a total of 460km of power line between the T-structures, which could stretch from Bridgwater to Paris.

Steven Haskayne, project director for National Grid, said: “With the T-pylons fully strung, our Hinkley Connection Project is really starting to take shape.

"It’s a proud moment for all the teams involved, from our National Grid colleagues to our contractors, all of whom have helped us reach this milestone safely and on schedule.

“We’re grateful to all of the local communities we’ve been working alongside for their patience as our project team continues its work, which is moving us closer to a resilient and secure low carbon energy supply for millions in the region.”

Tony Wilson, managing director of Balfour Beatty UK Power Transmission and Distribution, added: “The efficient delivery of overhead power lines for the Hinkley Connect Project is a testament to our technical capabilities and reinforces our close partnership with National Grid to secure and deliver sustainable energy solutions.

“As we look ahead, we remain committed to supporting National Grid projects, contributing to the creation of a resilient and secure low carbon energy supply for communities across the UK.”

It is hoped that, by the end of 2024, all the T-pylons will be energised. Already,  high voltage electricity is flowing through 36 T-pylons, a new National Grid substation at Sandford, and the underground cables through the Mendip Hills.

Most of the project's 57km route through Somerset is made up from T-pylons, although there are shorter sections of traditional lattice pylons at each end of the route at Shurton and Avonmouth.

National Grid has started work to remove 67km of existing overhead lines and pylons from the region's landscape, which equates to 249 in total.

 Over 30 pylons running parallel to the new undergrounded section in the Mendip Hills are being taken down, which will leave the landscape pylon-free for the first time in nearly a century.