Introduction: This project addresses two aspects of the continued effort to develop the T-pylon to a deployable asset:

1. To certify that the physical T-pylon structures can meet the maximum mechanical loads that they have been designed to withstand and validate all the design methodology for the whole family of T-pylons developed.

2. To verify that 3 suppliers are able to develop 400kV solutions that meet future type registration requirements for the first of its kind composite insulator solution.

Objectives:

1. To demonstrate that the physical T-pylon structures are suitable for utilising on the GB transmission system. The output will be a certified test report, which will feed in to the specification being developed outside of this R&D scheme.
2. To find a composite insulator solution that meets National Grid requirements based on the geometry required by the t-pylon, and can be offered by suppliers for use on the 400kV Transmission system. Secondly, to ensure that there are multiple suppliers that are able to offer this solution for implementation on the National Grid 400kV Transmission system.

Expected Benefits:

1. Validation of the design loads on two T-pylon structures (one suspension and one tension) and a flying angle T-pylon insulator assembly which will validate all the structural design methodology for the whole family of 6 T-pylon designs. This will be in the form of an independant report, by a certified body.

2. Minimum of one supplier proven to be able to deliver type registered composite insulator solutions for the T-pylon. This will also be in the form of a report.