Plans to transform three former coal fired power station sites in Bassetlaw into a world leading clean energy and innovation supercluster are set for a boost, with the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) set to approve and allocate up to £3 million in funding at its December Board meeting.
Located alongside the River Trent, the power stations at West Burton, Cottam, and High Marnham once formed part of Megawatt Valley. This critical piece of UK energy infrastructure was created in the 1960s, and at its peak, was responsible for generating 25% of the electricity needed by England and Wales.
The EMCCA funding will support these three huge sites’ transition towards producing clean energy, help drive economic growth across the region and develop innovation, skills and opportunities that will benefit communities in Bassetlaw, Nottinghamshire, and the wider East Midlands.
Councillor Julie Leigh, Leader of Bassetlaw District Council, said: “I am delighted that the Combined Authority is looking to support the transition of the three former coal fired power station sites in Bassetlaw into a clean energy supercluster.
“With West Burton already chosen as the home for the STEP prototype fusion energy plant, it is vital that we seize this opportunity to unlock the massive potential of the power station sites.
“This aligns with our ambitious Vision2040 which sets out our aim for Bassetlaw to become the greenest, most sustainable district in which to live and work, building on its legacy of energy production, manufacturing and logistics to power the net zero economy.”
Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward said: “At EMCCA, we have made a commitment to address the global climate crisis and tackle climate change.
“Our journey to Net Zero will see us become carbon neutral by 2050, aligning with national ambitions and taking the region on a journey to become cleaner and more sustainable.
“We want to promote the use green and renewable energy and exploring the potential to increase the region’s electricity network capacity. So, I am pleased we can provide this funding to the three sites in Bassetlaw for the Trent Clean Energy Supercluster.
“North Nottinghamshire will be home to the ground-breaking STEP prototype fusion energy plant. Fusion promises to be a safe, low carbon and sustainable part of the world’s energy supply with potential to help sustain net zero in the future. So this is an exciting project for us to support.”
