DECC has given the go ahead to two new power plants in Yorkshire. The energy department says they will create over 1,000 jobs and generate enough energy to power almost two million homes.

Scottish and Southern Energy are investing £250m into a multifuel project at its Ferrybridge plant (pictured) in Wakefield, Yorkshire. The 108 MW power plant will use a mix of biomass and energy from waste and is expected to create around 350 jobs during the building of the plant. SSE’s Director of Thermal Development, Rhys Stanwix, said: “This multi-fuel CHP plant will make an important contribution to ensuring secure energy supplies.”

DECC said they have also approved plans for a 1,500 MW Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) plant on the site of a derelict power station on the outskirts of Doncaster. The department said that a company called Acorn Power Developments UK was investing £984m into the Thorpe Marsh station, creating an expected 800 jobs during construction.

Energy Minister Charles Hendry said: “These new plants in Yorkshire are a fantastic example of new power stations bringing new jobs. These decisions are a further example of our determination to clear the back-log of planning applications, to stimulate growth and enhance our energy security.”