Latest news: New power stations to create thousands of jobs

Two new power stations in Yorkshire will provide more than 1,000 jobs to the area, the government has claimed. 01/11/2011

The energy producers will be built near Wakefield and Doncaster and will provide jobs in engineering, utilities, customer service and planning. The combined cost of the stations is expected to top £1.2billion.

'These new plants in Yorkshire are a fantastic example of new power stations bringing new jobs,' said minister of state for energy Charles Hendry.

'These decisions are a further example of our determination to clear the backlog of planning applications, to stimulate growth and enhance our energy security,' he added.

Construction on the plants is set to start in early 2012 and will be completed by 2015 and will generate electricity and heat from sustainable fuel sources, including biomass, waste-derived fuels and waste wood.

SSE Generation will build the Ferrybridge plant near Wakefield within an existing coal power station site, investing around £250million and creating 350 jobs.

The plant will provide 'an important contribution to ensuring secure energy supplies,' said Rhys Stanwix, SSE Generation’s director of thermal development.

'It will also create approximately 100 full-time jobs throughout its operation and its construction will create 300 jobs onsite over the next three years,' he added.

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