Members of the public are being invited to have their say on plans for a proposed new power station in development, Ferrybridge Next Generation.

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 way 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 is now open 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).

Click here to download all consultation materials, including the consultation brochure, maps and feedback forms.Five in-person events are also being held:

• Thursday 18 September 5-8pm and Saturday 20 September 11am-2pm: Knottingley Town Hall Community Centre, Hilltop, Headlands Ln, Knottingley WF11 9DG
• Friday 19 September 4-7pm: Haddlesey Church Hall, Millfield Rd, Chapel Haddlesey, Selby YO8 8QF
• Monday 22 September 1-4pm: Brotherton Parish Hall, 9 Old Great N Rd, Byram, Knottingley, WF11 9DJ 
• Tuesday 23 September 5-8pm: Ferrybridge Community Centre, The Square, Ferrybridge, Knottingley WF11 8PQ

Feedback and comments on Ferrybridge Next Generation Power Station should be submitted before 11.59pm on Monday 6 October 2025.