National Grid Electricity Transmission submitted the application for the 400kV Hinkley electric line connection to the Planning Inspectorate in May 2014, following an extensive period of consultation with the local community.
The project will be the first scheme to use the new T-pylon, which resulted from a competition held in 2011 by the Royal Institute of British Architects, Decc and National Grid to explore the potential for a new generation of pylon design.
Energy minister Lord Bourne said: “This is a step forward in the Hinkley Point C project, which will play a crucial part in our plan to provide clean, affordable and secure energy for hardworking families and businesses.
“Hinkley represents a major boost for the UK and local economy – powering nearly six million homes and creating more than 25,000 jobs with a significant number for the people of Somerset.”
In October, during a state visit from President Xi Jinping of China, CGN confirmed it would take a 33.5 per cent stake in the £18 billion development costs for the Hinkley project, subject to a final investment decision being made.
The purchase was part of a wider deal which paves the way for the Chinese nuclear firm to develop a second new nuclear plant at Sizewell and a nuclear plant of their own design in Essex in which it will take a two thirds stake.
EDF has said the final investment decision, which was originally due at the end of last year, is “imminent”.