 | |
| Type | Structure, lattice tower and overhead power line |
|---|---|
| First production | 20th century |
A transmission tower (also electricity pylon, hydro tower, or pylon) is a tall structure, usually a lattice tower made of steel that is used to support an overhead power line. In electrical grids, transmission towers carry high-voltage transmission lines that transport bulk electric power from generating stations to electrical substations, from which electricity is delivered to end consumers; moreover, utility poles are used to support lower-voltage sub-transmission and distribution lines that transport electricity from substations to electricity customers.
There are four categories of transmission towers: (i) the suspension tower, (ii) the dead-end terminal tower, (iii) the tension tower, and (iv) the transposition tower.[1] The heights of transmission towers typically range from 15 to 55 m (49 to 180 ft),[1] although when longer spans are needed, such as for crossing water, taller towers are sometimes used. More transmission towers are needed to mitigate climate change, and as a result, transmission towers became politically important in the 2020s.[2][3]
- ^ a b "Environmental, Health, and Safety Guidelines for Electric Power Transmission and Distribution" (PDF). International Finance Corporation. 2007-04-30. p. 21. Retrieved 2013-09-15.
- ^ "The Case for an Environmentalism that Builds". The Economist. ISSN 0013-0613. Retrieved 2023-10-03.
- ^ "The looming battle over pylons for green energy". BBC News. 31 July 2023.