Ferrybridge: Former coal-fired power station is transformed into energy from waste site
The site of a former giant coal-fired power station has been transformed into a hub which provides tens of thousands of homes with “green” energy.
Enfinium, the energy-from-waste (EfW) operator, has completed a “significant upgrade” programme at its Ferrybridge 1 facility in West Yorkshire. The development is on land once occupied by three coal-fired power stations, which were in operation from 1927 to 2016.
Operational since 2015, Ferrybridge 1 processes around 725,000 tonnes of non-recyclable waste each year and generates up to 85MW of electricity, which is enough to power around 170,000 homes and businesses.
A spokesman said: “Its sister facility, Ferrybridge 2, matches this capacity.
"The latest upgrade programme, completed throughout April and May, focused on maintaining high standards of performance, reliability, efficiency and environmental compliance at Ferrybridge 1.”
"At the heart of the works was the replacement of super heaters at Ferrybridge 1, the first such upgrade in a decade, delivered through crane operations and supported by regional supply chain partners, including the Wakefield-based manufacturer, Greens.
"This was carried out alongside refractory tile renewal to protect boiler integrity, and repairs to the site’s induced draft fan, including the replacement of corroded pipework.”
"The works form part of a broader strategy to maintain long-term operational resilience at Ferrybridge. This includes the overhaul of ash conveying systems, routine cleaning and inspection, and targeted investment in critical infrastructure.
“More widely, enfinium is continuing to invest in the future of the Ferrybridge sites, with plans to deploy carbon capture and storage technology as part of a wider decarbonisation strategy.”
Dr. Jane Atkinson, chief operating officer at enfinium, said: “Our Ferrybridge upgrade was the largest programme of works we have undertaken at an enfinium facility in the last decade."
"We remain committed to maintaining all enfinium facilities to the highest standards, operating responsibly and safeguarding the environment in our surrounding communities. This is matched by our ambition to deploy carbon capture and storage technology across our facilities, helping local homes and businesses decarbonise while supporting the UK’s transition to Net Zero through high-quality carbon removals.”
Steve Tosney, plant manager at Ferrybridge 1, said: “I’m incredibly proud of the team here at Ferrybridge and what they’ve achieved through this programme of works. Programmes of this scale
rely on detailed planning and disciplined execution.”