Development consent has been granted to Eggborough Power Limited (EPL) for the development of a new gas fired power station near Selby in North Yorkshire.
The new combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) plant will be built on the site of the existing coal-fired power station creating 1,200 construction jobs. Once operational it will be capable of supplying electricity to more than 2 million homes.
Plans for the construction will also include a new underground gas pipeline connecting the site to the UK’s natural gas network. There will also be an electrical connection to the existing substation located at the coal-fired power station site and water supply connections.
Speaking to the York Press James Crankshaw head of engineering at EPL said:
“We are delighted with the Secretary of State’s decision to grant consent.
“Eggborough has been a significant part of the UK energy landscape for over 40 years and this consent provides an opportunity for the site to continue to play a key role in both the local economy and in the security of electricity supplies nationally.”
Eggborough coal-fired power station was originally built in the 1970s which had an expected lifespan of 25 years. It closes this month having failed to win a contract for providing back-up electricity generating capacity for 2018/19 and will be demolished.
According to sources, the construction of the new plant could start as early as summer 2019.
