Transmission tower, also known as transmission line tower, is a three-dimensional structure used to support overhead power lines and lightning protection lines for high-voltage or ultra-high-voltage power transmission. From a structural point of view, transmission towers are generally divided into angle steel towers, steel tube towers and narrow-base steel tube towers. Angle steel towers are typically used in rural areas, while steel pole and narrow base steel tube towers are more suitable for urban areas due to their smaller footprint. The main function of transmission towers is to support and protect power lines and ensure the stable operation of the power system. They can withstand the weight and tension of transmission lines and disperse these forces to the foundation and ground, thereby ensuring safe and stable operation of the lines. In addition, they secure the transmission lines to the towers, preventing them from disconnecting or breaking due to wind or human interference. Transmission towers are also made of insulating materials to ensure the insulation performance of transmission lines, prevent leakage and ensure safety. In addition, the height and structure of transmission towers can withstand adverse factors such as natural disasters, further ensuring the safe and stable operation of transmission lines.        

Depending on the purpose, transmission towers can be divided into transmission towers and distribution towers. Transmission towers are mainly used for high-voltage transmission lines to transport power from power plants to substations, while distribution towers are used for medium and low-voltage distribution lines to distribute power from substations to various users. According to the height of the tower, it can be divided into low-voltage tower, high-voltage tower and ultra-high voltage tower. Low-voltage towers are mainly used for low-voltage distribution lines, with tower heights generally below 10 meters; high-voltage towers are used for high-voltage transmission lines, with heights generally above 30 meters; UHV towers are used for ultra-high voltage transmission lines, with heights generally exceeding 50 meters. In addition, according to the shape of the tower, transmission towers can be divided into angle steel towers, steel tube towers and reinforced concrete towers. Angle steel and steel tube towers are mainly used for high-voltage transmission lines, while reinforced concrete towers are mainly used for medium- and low-voltage distribution lines.

With the discovery and utilization of electricity, from the late 19th century to the early 20th century, electricity began to be widely used for lighting and power, thus creating a need for transmission towers. Towers of this period were simple structures, mostly made of wood and steel, and were used to support early power lines. In the 1920s, with the continuous expansion of the power grid and the improvement of power transmission technology, more complex tower structures appeared, such as angle steel truss towers. The towers began to adopt standardized designs to accommodate varying terrain and climatic conditions. After World War II, the transmission tower industry was further fueled by the need to rebuild damaged infrastructure and a surge in electricity demand. During this period, tower design and manufacturing techniques improved significantly, with higher-strength steel and more advanced anti-corrosion techniques. In addition, the variety of transmission towers has increased to meet the needs of different voltage levels and geographical environments.

In the 1980s, with the development of computer technology, the design and analysis of transmission towers began to be digitalized, improving design efficiency and accuracy. In addition, with the advancement of globalization, the transmission tower industry has also begun to internationalize, and multinational enterprises and cooperation projects are common. Entering the 21st century, the transmission tower industry continues to face challenges and opportunities in technological innovation. The use of new materials such as aluminum alloys and composite materials, as well as the application of drones and intelligent monitoring systems, have greatly improved the performance and operating efficiency of transmission towers. At the same time, as global environmental awareness continues to increase, the industry is also exploring more environmentally friendly design and production methods, such as using recyclable materials and reducing the impact of construction on the natural environment.

The upstream industries of transmission towers mainly include steel manufacturing, building materials manufacturing, and machinery manufacturing. The steel manufacturing industry provides various steel materials required for transmission towers, including angle steel, steel pipes, and rebar; the building materials manufacturing industry supplies concrete, cement and other materials; and the machinery manufacturing industry provides various construction equipment and maintenance tools. The technical level and product quality of these upstream industries directly affect the quality and life of transmission towers.

From the perspective of downstream applications, transmission towers are widely used in the field of power transmission and distribution. As the use of renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and small hydropower continues to increase, so does the demand for microgrids, further driving the expansion of the transmission infrastructure market. This trend has had a positive impact on the transmission tower market. According to statistics, by 2022, the market value of the global transmission tower industry will reach approximately US$28.19 billion, an increase of 6.4% from the previous year. China has made significant progress in the development of smart grids and the application of ultra-high voltage transmission technology, which has not only driven the growth of the domestic transmission tower market, but also affected market expansion in the entire Asia-Pacific region. As a result, the Asia-Pacific region has become the world's largest consumer market for transmission towers, accounting for nearly half of the market share, approximately 47.2%. Followed by the European and North American markets, accounting for 15.1% and 20.3% respectively.

Looking forward to the future, with the continuous investment in power grid reform and modernization, and the rising demand for stable and safe power supply, the transmission tower market is expected to maintain its growth momentum. These factors indicate that the transmission tower industry has a bright future and will continue to thrive globally. In 2022, China's transmission tower industry will achieve significant growth, with a total market value of approximately 59.52 billion yuan, an increase of 8.6% over the previous year. The internal demand of China's transmission tower market mainly consists of two parts: the construction of new lines and the maintenance and upgrade of existing facilities. Currently, the domestic market is dominated by demand for new line construction; however, as infrastructure ages and demand for upgrades increases, the market share of old tower maintenance and replacement is gradually rising. Data in 2022 show that the market share of maintenance and replacement services in my country's transmission tower industry has reached 23.2%. This trend reflects the need for continuous upgrading of the domestic power grid and the increasing emphasis on ensuring the reliability and efficiency of power transmission. With the Chinese government's strategic promotion of energy structure adjustment and smart grid construction, the transmission tower industry is expected to continue to maintain a stable growth trajectory in the next few years.