- Ferrybridge Next Generation sets out plans for continuing the legacy of power generation at the site, with the potential to bring significant investment to the region.
- Statutory consultation phase launched, inviting communities and stakeholders to have their say on project proposals.
- Hydrogen-enabled project could support the security of supply and offer a clear route to decarbonisation.
Members of the public are being invited to have their say on plans for a proposed new power station in development, Ferrybridge Next Generation Power Station.
The station is being designed so that it can run on hydrogen, as a lower-carbon alternative to natural gas. It would also be able to operate using natural gas or a blend of hydrogen and natural gas until a technically and commercially viable hydrogen supply becomes available to the site.
With a proposed capacity of up to 1.2GW, Ferrybridge Next Generation Power Station could play an important role in supporting the UK’s energy system in the short term – providing reliable flexible back-up power during periods of peak demand and balancing the system when the wind doesn’t blow or the sun doesn’t shine, while delivering a route to decarbonised power generation in the longer term.
SSE is inviting members of the public and stakeholders to help shape the proposals for the project, as part of a Statutory Consultation.
The Ferrybridge Next Generation project could see the construction and operation of an electricity generation station, with up to two gas turbine units located on the former Ferrybridge C Power Station site, alongside a natural gas pipeline and associated infrastructure to bring fuel to the site. The power station would connect to the existing Ferrybridge C 275k V National Grid Substation.
Construction, subject to consent and a Final Investment Decision (FID) could start in 2028, with completion in the early 2030s.
Catriona Scobie, Project Manager, for Ferrybridge Next Generation said:
“We’re very proud of our history at the Ferrybridge site and of the strong links we’ve built with the local economy and community.
"We are looking forward to welcoming people to these events, which provide the opportunity for the community to learn more about our proposals for the future of the site, and for SSE to hear their views.
“Critically, our plan includes future-proofing the station, so it is ready to run on hydrogen as policy frameworks and infrastructure are developed, aligning with the UK Government’s decarbonisation goals. The station’s flexibility and hydrogen capabilities mean it could be a key asset in the UK's energy mix, especially as we look to generate more of our power from renewables.”
As a site of former coal-fired stations, Ferrybridge has a long history of power generation. SSE has owned and operated generation assets at the site for more than 20 years. Before this, the first power station started operation more than 100 years ago. Ferrybridge Next Generation is one of how SSE is seeking to repurpose the site, while maintaining its power generation legacy. Alongside this, SSE is already constructing a battery energy storage system at Ferrybridge, which is due to enter operation this year.
As part of a wider strategy to develop hydrogen power in the UK, SSE is developing hydrogen production and storage projects and investing in a multi-million pound partnership with Siemens Energy to deliver gas turbine technology capable of running on 100% hydrogen by 2030.
The Statutory Consultation opened on 5 September, and members of the public and community groups are invited to get involved with conversations and provide comments on the project proposals.
Feedback and comments from this four-week consultation phase will be used by SSE to help inform a final application for a Development Consent Order (DCO).
Statutory Consultation – how to get involved:
The consultation opens on 5 September and offers the community and interested parties a chance to learn more about the project, ask questions and provide feedback.
From 5 September, all consultation materials, including the consultation brochure, maps and feedback form,s will be available to view and download at: www.ssethermal.com/FBNG
Hard copies and alternative versions of key consultation documents can also be requested directly from the project team by email or phone or collected from the in-person events.
Five in-person events will be held at the following times and locations:
Thursday 18 September
5pm – 8pm
Knottingley Town Hall Community Centre
Hilltop, Headlands Ln, Knottingley WF11 9DG
Friday 19 September
4pm – 7pm
Haddlesey Church Hall
Millfield Rd, Chapel Haddlesey, Selby YO8 8QF
Saturday 20 September
11am – 2pm
Knottingley Town Hall Community Centre
Hilltop, Headlands Ln, Knottingley WF11 9DG
Monday 22 September
1pm – 4pm Brotherton Parish Hall
9 Old Great N Rd, Byram, Knottingley, WF11 9DJ
Tuesday 23 September
5pm – 8pm
Ferrybridge Community Centre
The Square, Ferrybridge, Knottingley WF11 8PQ
For more information on Ferrybridge Next Generation Power Station, or how to engage with the consultation, please visit www.ssethermal.com/FBNG, call the consultation freephone number on 0800 211 802, or email: FBNG@sse.com. Feedback and comments on Ferrybridge Next Generation Power Station should be submitted before 11.59pm on Monday 6 October 2025.