After an exciting journey exploring what makes the perfect electricity pylon, we’re thrilled to unveil the incredible designs submitted for our Pylon of the Future competition! You’ve helped us imagine a future where creativity, engineering, and sustainability come together to shape how electricity is carried across the UK.
We challenged you to design a pylon that was strong, sustainable, and fit for the future – and you’ve delivered with creativity! From innovative shapes and structures to eco-friendly materials, your ideas have redefined what pylons can be.
It’s time to reveal the winner show all of your amazing entries. We’ve been amazed by your vision for the future of energy infrastructure.
Make sure to explore all of the other amazing entries below. Every entry is a step toward a brighter, cleaner future.
The winner is…
Daniel Kean, aged 11.
“My design, called the Falcon Pylon, combines the concept of the T-Pylon with an eco-friendly idea. The multiple crossbars not only hold the structures connecting the cables, they also hold a number of solar panels which transfer heat from the sun to a transformer through wires. The newly-created electricity goes through a cable held in an external tube that then goes underground to local or nearby sources. The material insulating the pylon is plastic recycled from bottles, giving less impact on the environment. On the whole, I think this may be a very good idea for a pylon, and the name comes from its bird-like shape.”
Your entries…
Lila, aged 6.
“I have designed a cat pylon. It uses recycled materials like plastic. The power lines are the cats whiskers. It has some solar panel sunglasses. There is space for posters for educating people.”
Milena, aged 10.
“My pylon is made out of recycled metal so it’s sustainable. It’s composed of lots of triangles so it is a strong and stable structure. It is 20m tall and 5m wide. There is a nesting site underneath the pylon so the birds can have shelter. There are solar panels on the pylon so they can generate renewable energy from the sun that goes through the wires.”
Jacob, aged 8.
“My design for a pylon is made from recycled aluminium cans to make it a sustainable and strong structure. It is 21m tall and 10m wide. It gets it’s power from a windmill so it has a renewable energy source. It is covered in leaves and has places for birds to nest.“
Poppy, aged 7.
“My pylon is wide at the bottom to make it strong. It’s arms are purple and made from recycled plastic bottles and the triangles in the steel legs are filled with glass to make it nice to look at and give extra sparkly sun light reflections off for people to see.“
Daniel, aged 11.
“My design is made of steel and recycled plastic for the V shaped arms. The pole is red, it is wide at the bottom and the pole gets narrower as it gets higher, it’s clearly visible to people animals and vehicles to avoid any accidents. Red is also for danger. The V sections that hold the wires are Blue and yellow to blend in with the skyline. These are recycled plastic.”
Henry, aged 9.
“Instead of electricity I believe we should be using renewable energy sources so we no longer need to use pylons to corrupt our beautiful planet.”
Isabella, aged 8.
“It’s a rainbow pylon, the sun is helping to get the energy.”
Sylvie, aged 9.
“My pylon is made out of recycled metal. It has a wind turbine at the top that makes electricity. It is a wind turbine and a transmission tower in one. It reduces its carbon footprint as it makes its own electricity.”
Matthew, aged 11.
“My pylon is made to camouflage to any environment using reflective metal so that it doesn’t affect the natural landscape. The pipe cleaners signify the many colours and shapes it can take.”
Teddy, aged 5.
“Made of old plastic bottles. Good for environment. Fire is actually an air cleaning spray to attract wildlife like rabbits and flowers. Helicopter bladed generate extra power by wind. Bottom rotates around and sprays water (irrigation) to encourage wild meadow grass and flowers to grow for the bees.”
Ethan, aged 10.
“It is a modern, computerised pylon. The aim is to be efficient and to be regularly upgraded by any new and innovative improvements as technology improves. No need to replace as technology means the pylon will instantly upgrade!”
Ollie, aged 6.
“My design has two ladders, one going down and one going up. The one going up is used for if one of the cable lines is broken, you can repair it. The purple one is how you get down. The big pylon on one side has a lot of electricity coming out of it. It is made out of aluminium made from recycled cans and the middle pylon has a turret which is covering all of the wires for safety.”
Robert, aged 8.
“It looks good!”
Holly, aged 8.
“It is going to be made out of recycled metal because it is the strongest material.”
Josie, aged 8.
“I took the idea of sustainability to heart and thought that with the height of pylons we could also capture wind energy by adding horizontal blades on the top. You can’t add vertical blades because of the power lines.”
Dylan, aged 10.
“There are lots of landmarks around the world, that can also be used as a pylon, so fewer new pylons need to be made. There are lots of houses near this landmarks that can use the electricity.”
Ryan, aged 9.
“There are lots of landmarks around the world, that can also be used as a pylon, so fewer new pylons need to be made. There are lots of houses near this landmarks that can use the electricity.”
Angus, aged 7.
“There are lots of landmarks around the world, that can also be used as a pylon, so fewer new pylons need to be made. There are lots of houses near this landmarks that can use the electricity.”
Mason, aged 11.
“It would be like doughnuts in a big tall tower and all made of metal on the outside but plastic that’s been melted together all around it so you can see all the colours mix together and they look like big rainbow doughnuts from far away.”
Alana, aged 8.
“My design is to help people be eco friendly and is also a piece of art. There are colourful metal butterflies to remind people about the wild life and to be eco friendly and think about the environment. There is red ruby shapes down the middle to make it be creative. There are waffle shape triangles to hang the butterflies from and for the electricity to go through. The pylon is colourful because it is a piece of art.”
Lochlan and Erica, aged 10.
“The lighthouse is made from recycled plastic and paper. The rays from the light are the cables that take out the electric lines. The pylon-o-tron is the box on the side and it adapts power from the tide. The light stops planes flying into it. The light is powered by the tide and solar panels on the roof.“
Daisy, aged 9.
“It is a rainbow pylon and I think it’s a good design because who doesn’t need a rainbow in their life?”
Benjamin, aged 6.
“The power runs from signs to houses, and the pylons are also street lights.”
Arthur, aged 8.
“The electricity runs in cables underground in metal tubes.”
Eden, aged 5.
“The tower is extra tall and colourful for the birds.”
Patrick, aged 10.
“My design is for inland areas. It is made of aluminium and is camouflaged with brown and green paint to blend in with surrounding trees. The pylon is 5m deep in the ground to make it super stable.”
Sandy, aged 9.
“The pylon is called The Obscure Ecosystem 3000 pylon. The metal frame is made out of recycled petrol/diesel vehicles (because in the future everyone will be using electric vehicles). The bases are made out of old tyres.
It has a hologram border where you can choose what it looks like e.g. a tree or a hill. It does not need electricity cables, as electricity (in the future) will be available wirelessly to homes. It has an electricity WiFi box at the top of the pylon to distribute electricity to houses etc.
It has two drones attached to the top, so if the wireless/cable free power signal goes weak, the drones can pick up the pylon and move nearer. It has a claw at the top for drones to attach. The pylon can also extend upwards, downwards and width ways to further extend the wireless electricity. It also has a port for people passing by to charge their cars, phones and tablets.
It has pingers to warn bats and birds not crash into it. It also has a wildlife tunnel that lets streams and wildlife through, without breaking the pylon or creating a barrier for wildlife to move.“
Ethan, aged 9.
“I was thinking of stability because it needs to be strong to withstand high wind.”
Otto, aged 8.
“My design is of an angel, the wires will come of the hands of the figure. The pylon would be made of wood because wood is more eco friendly and better for the environment. I chose to do an angel because it would get more people to look at it and it would get more people to think about how they can make pylons and more things to be better for the world.”
Bryony, aged 8.
“The pylon has been designed to transmit electricity wirelessly!”
Adam, aged 8.
“My pylon heights is 30 meters. The material is melted, recycled waste Steel. The Pylon shape is pyramid shape and it is hollow for better balance and less material.”
Harry and Alfie, aged 8.
“Renewable power is generated inside the base of the pylon by water turbines using water from the river. The pylons are designed to be in remote communities which do not currently have a good electricity supply. It is a strong and durable design which can be used to transport renewable electricity long distances from where it is generated to communities which need it. Made from a lightweight, long lasting and sustainable composite and coated in bromine to glow red and make it safe at night. Easy maintenance and safe design for people.”
Harrison, aged 9.
“My design is able to blend in with the surroundings because it will be in a field and a lot of it is green like the grass. Wildlife won’t be scared of it because it will look nice. The base is strong because it has 4 strong supporting beams, and it’s made from recyclable milk carton so it’s good for the environment. On the front it can tell you the time and how much energy/electricity is going through the pylon, all on a big round screen. The blue wires don’t hurt any birds that land on it and are the colour it the sky.”
Ollie, aged 10.
“My pylon is built from recycled steel from old, derelict buildings. The steel frame is a triangular pattern to give support and strength. Each strand of wire is actually made up of loads of wires to carry more electricity. It’s is quite tall to overcome tall trees, buildings and to avoid disrupting nature on the ground.
On the outside of the structure there are shelves for growing plants, fruits and vegetables. My favourite vegetable to grow is runner beans and these could grow up the outside of the pylon. The plants growing up, on and around the pylon will hide it and mean it’s not an eyesore. The greenery will provide habitats for insects and provide food for us. Some shelves will be used by birds for them to build nests and homes. My pylon design helps people, insects and animals all live happily together. It’s a win win for everyone!”
Axel, aged 7.
“Hello, I am Axel and this is my pylon design idea. I used lolly sticks and garden string, paper, cardboard & a glue gun to build my project.”
Naomi, aged 8.
“My pylon is a woodland pylon and is painted so that it blends into the surrounding of the woodland.”
Joshua, aged 8.
“I have made my design for a city environment. Each of my pylons has flats underneath it, which means people can live there cheaply and it makes best use of space. The pylons are made of steel which is coated in plastic bottle tops, to make them look colourful these are recycled from used bottles. People living in the flats can’t get to the top of the pylons so they stay safe. There is access for repair people if needed. The colour of the top can be changed to fit in with the local environment. The bit at the bottom is a space where things can be stored and for people to play games, chat and to relax with friends.”
Florence, aged 7.
“Our pylon uses the typical a frame but I shape of a lego fairy. She has plants on her to attract wildlife like small birds and snails. Made from recycled plastic she is also good for environment. She can also be used as a look out tower where you climb up her body and see through her eyes.”
William, aged 5.
“My design is in shape of lego shark man and made to look fun but also remind us to look after the sea. The pylons made from recycled sea plastic. The sharks antenna is also designed so it can be used as phone mast to reduce need for more structures.”
Lily, aged 8.
“My design of a pylon is a tree it is made of steel painted brown with solar panels on top the steel painted brown with brown branches with nests hung on to it it has green leaves that are glued together.”
Shrey, aged 9.
“Material: Steel.
Height: 85 metres.”
Asher, aged 12.
“My telephone pylon will be 45 metres high so as not to effect nearby wildlife too much and so that low flying birds don’t get electrocuted. It will be made of a recycled plastic structure so as not to harm the environment. The cables will go through the diamond shaped hole in the pylon and through smaller holes for the individual cables. This design will be helpful so that if one of the smaller holes break, the cable inside won’t fall straight to the ground, it will instead fall into the pylon.”
Devin, aged 11.
“My pylon is made of strong oak, and has a teak covering that acts like an umbrella. Teak is a wood. The structure is reinforced with crisscrossing oak beams. In between the beams, there are coloured glass panels. Though 2 of the spaces where glass is supposed to be are taken up by solar panels. My pylon are meant to be in forests.”
Yugan, aged 11.
“Frame from aluminium. It is light and strong which means it can carry many heavy cables. I drew triangles inside the frame reinforcing both the strength and durability. In the future, electricity could be generated by hydrogen because it doesn’t produce carbon dioxide; instead it produces water. Water can be turned back into electricity through the process of electrolysis. You need to use fossil fuels to start the process, which makes the fossil fuels last longer.”
Isaac, aged 9.
“I decided to do this design because wider base and a lattice design to give strength. I have demonstrated the strength by putting a lego model on top.”
Monty, aged 5.
“My design has lots of homes for animals to help wildlife and the red things are to stop birds going into the wires. The pylons are made of recycled metal. There are rocks and wood so animals can live at the bottom of it.”
Oliver, aged 10.
“My design is made out of Lego because it’s nice and strong. I also used some wool. It looks cool and its colourful. If all pylons were made out of bright coloured Lego the world would look more interesting and bright. I think it makes a great pylon!”
Thomas, aged 6.
“Thomas wanted to design a pylon that did more than just carry electricity, so he included solar panels and wind turbines which can turn to face the sun/wind. He also wanted to make pylons places where animals can live, so his includes spaces for birds to nest and animals to make their homes (including a pond for crabs). As an additional feature, his pylon can be folded down for maintenance.”
Grace and Hugh, aged 9.
“We decided that we would hide the electric cables in steel leaves and trees with a net around it to protect wildlife from being electrocuted. Also it should be suited to its location.”
Luca, aged 11.
“For my design, I chose carbon fibre as the material as it is 5 times stronger than steel but only one third of its weight. Its sleek, modern look would be beneficial in urban areas where the appearance is important, and it is also corrosion resistant which would greatly increase its lifespan. As they are so light, less energy is needed to transport the parts, which is beneficial for the environment, and is also cheaper. I have made the model out of bamboo rods that I spray painted black. I have used sewing thread for the wires.”
Samuel, aged 5.
“My child went with different designs. I put the annotations for more understanding.”
Max, aged 7.
“I thought that current pylons were a little bit bare, and I thought‚ “why are current pylons so bare?”. So I made mine with nature on it.
My 3D design didn’t look quite like my paper design. My paper design had a windmill at the top, 6 carbon capture machines, grass, flowers and trees on the sides, because I thought that would be better for nature and the environment.
For my design, I put some cardboard down, covered it with glue and put some real grass on it. I used real flowers, a windmill and a tree at the top, and I used it as a caterpillar home at the end. I also had more photos and videos, but could only submit one here.”
Thomas, aged 10.
“Re-cycled wind-turbine pylon:
Wind turbines are good for the environment and are very strong to put up with the powerful winds, but that makes a problem. After 20 years of use they are normally put in landfill because they are very hard to recycle.
My Pylon re-uses all the parts of a wind-turbine. The strong blades are moved down the tower and used to hold the wires. This means the parts can be used for many more years and make the world a more eco friendly place.
The photo shows a wind turbine and my pylon design that use exactly the same bits.“
Elle, aged 5.
“It’s a rainbow pylon that makes the world colourful and bright, it makes people smile when they see it and it looks beautiful especially at sunset.“
Neve, aged 8.
“The pylons look like flowers and are made from natural things, they all have a statue of a creature or animal on to make other creatures feel safe and they look nice in the countryside and make cities look better with colours and nature.”
Agnes, aged 7.
“This design is inspired by leaves and has a strong lattice base with supporting poles behind to keep it up. The wires are held at the ends of the leaf veins.”
Theo, aged 6.
“This design was inspired by Iceland pylons. Its stronger because is uses a lattice design.”
Brilliant work – the future of pylons is in great hands!
Congratulations to winner, Daniel, who has won a £100 LEGO voucher. If you’ve spotted your design above, keep a look out in your emails as you have won a £10 LEGO voucher!
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Marina Ventura Energy Explorer is made with support from Grid for Good by the National Grid.
