Ministers today gave the green light for two new power stations in Yorkshire that will create over 1,000 jobs and generate enough energy to power almost two million homes.

Charles Hendry, Minister of State for Energy, said: "The energy industry can be a real driver of growth across the country. Some £200 billion of investment is need in the energy industry over the coming decade, representing remarkable opportunities for companies in the UK.

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"These new plants in Yorkshire are a fantastic example of new power stations bring new jobs. These decisions are a further example of our determination to clear the back-log of planning applications, to stimulate growth and enhance our energy security."

The consented plans are - Ferrybridge - a 108 MW Multifuel (biomass and energy waste) power plant in Wakefield, Yorkshire, representing an investment of £250 million by SSE Generation. It is expected around 350 jobs will be created during construction.

Thorpe Marsh - a 1,500 MW Combined Cycle Gas Turbine power plant in North Doncaster, Yorkshire, representing an investment of £984 million by Acorn Power Developments. It is expected that up to 800 jobs will be created during construction.

(CD/BMcC)