New exhibits at a famous art museum could soon be going on permanent display across the length and breadth of the countryside.
Electricity pylons are considered by many to be an ugly blight on the landscape, but they are now being given a makeover.
The “pylon for the future” display was opened at the Victoria and Albert Museum yesterday, as part of the London Design Festival.
A new generation of power stations are due to be opened in the UK over the coming decades, and the government and National Grid want to develop power lines which show “greater sensitivity” to the countryside.
A total of 250 designs from across the world were entered into a competition which was launched in May by the Royal Institute of British Architects, the Department of Energy and Climate Change, and National Grid.
Scale models of six finalists were unveiled at the V&A yesterday, at an exhibition opened by Energy Secretary Chris Huhne.
Mr Huhne said: “Britain will see the equivalent of 20 new power stations constructed by 2020, and we need to use electricity pylons to get this new, low-carbon energy to your televisions and toasters, dishwashers and DVD players.
“We must make sure that we take into account the visual impact on the landscape and also the view of the public, and this is what the pylon design competition is all about.
“I am highly impressed by the quality of these designs and I hope everyone takes the time to get involved and give their view.”
National Grid executive director Nick Winser said: “Connecting Britain’s new power stations to our homes and businesses will be one of the great infrastructure challenges of the next decade and beyond.
“Through the use of new technology, pylon design, extensive consultation and undergrounding where appropriate, our new approach will ensure we consider very seriously the visual impact of new lines.”
The public can give their verdict on the designs on the competition website until October 5 and any comments will be taken into account by the panel of judges when the final decision is taken next month.
Mr Huhne will be chairman of the judging panel, and a prize fund of £10,000 will be shared among the winning candidates.
National Grid has said it will consider developing the winning design for use in future projects.
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