500 jobs on the way as energy plant at Ferrybridge given go ahead

Plans to build a second multifuel energy plant at Ferrybridge Power Station have been given the final go ahead by the government.

The Department of Energy and Climate Change has granted consent for the plant which is expected to create around 500 jobs during its construction.

It will produce electricity by burning fuel derived from refuse and industrial and commercial waste and is expected to take around three years to build.

Lord Bourne, energy minister, said: “This exciting project that will turn waste into energy is a great example of how innovation can help to power our homes and add to our energy mix.

An artist's impression of how the new multifuel energy plant at Ferrybridge will look.

“It will offer secure energy to Britain’s hardworking families and businesses.”

The new plant will create around 35 jobs once operational.

Tom Maillet, director of engineering and operations for Multifuel Energy Ltd, said: “We are delighted that the Secretary of State has made the decision to grant planning permission for the Ferrybridge Multifuel 2 project.

“We believe the Multifuel 1 project, which is fully operational, and the Multifuel 2 project can make a positive, low carbon contribution to the UK’s electricity supply and help to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill.

“We believe that these projects represent the next generation of power generation at the Ferrybridge site and will help to generate important economic benefits for the local area. Following a final investment decision, construction is expected to begin in 2016.”

Earlier this year, site operators SSE announced Ferrybridge C Power Station will close by the end of March 2016 with the loss of up to 400 jobs owing to rising costs and new environmental legislation.