National Grid's plans for pylons

The pylons will link Hinkley Point to a substation in Avonmouth

The National Grid has announced plans for a new 37-mile 400,000 volt overhead pylon line connecting Hinkley Point in Somerset to a substation in Avonmouth.

The company has been asked to connect a 3,600MW nuclear power station to be built close to the existing generating plant at Hinkley Point.

The new power station will be one of the largest single generators in the UK's high voltage system.

A spokesman said the overhead pylons were the most economical option.

"Depending on the final route, the overhead line would be approximately 37 miles long and would be constructed in 2016 at a cost of approximately £2m per mile," he said.

National Grid major project manager David Mercer added: "Electricity is an essential part of our lives and this line will play a key role in helping to meet the demand for power.

"With a number of major power stations due to close down over the next decade and electricity demand rising, the country needs 20 gigawatts of new generation by 2020. However these new power stations will need new transmission infrastructure to connect them securely."

Mr Mercer added that a period of public consultation on the proposals would take place from the beginning of October.