ELECTRICITY PYLONS in the United Kingdom, which have not changed in design since the 1920s, are to get a makeover following an international competition which saw an Irish entry lose out in the final furlong.
The competition was won by a Danish design described by secretary of state for energy and climate change Chris Huhne as "simple, classical and practical" and "smaller than existing pylons and therefore less intrusive".
"We are going to need a lot more pylons over the next few years to connect new energy to our homes and businesses, and it is important that we do this is in the most beautiful way possible," said Mr Huhne.
Known as the T-Pylon, the winning design from Bystrup Ltd will be "a real improvement," said Nick Winser, executive director of the UK's national grid. A Y-shaped design submitted by ESB International and Roughan O'Donovan of Dublin made a shortlist.
