The owner of Rugeley Power Station has confirmed the facility will be closed in June, with the loss of 120 jobs.

The announcement comes three months after ENGIE said the 1GW plant is expected to cease operations this summer “due to the deterioration in market conditions” for coal generation.

The news follows the government’s plans to shut all unabated coal-fired power plants by 2025.

ENGIE confirmed the power plant will close by the end of June this year “following consultation with employees and unions”.

Out of the 150 employees, 30 will be kept to help with the decommissioning that is expected to last up to nine months.

ENGIE stated: “The closure of coal-fired generation capacity in the UK reflects a wider energy transition that is taking place towards a less carbon intensive and more decentralised energy system.

“ENGIE remains one of the UK’s largest independent power producers and is a major supplier to commercial and industrial energy and services customers. ENGIE will continue to invest in its energy and services capabilities to support this energy transition as a long term committed partner for the UK.”

The power station is jointly owned by ENGIE (75%) and Mitsui & Co Limited (25%).