EDF Energy has decided to end power generation at its Cottam coal-fired power station in North Nottinghamshire on 30 September and will start consultation with trades unions and employee representatives.

The 2,000MW plant has played a critical role in ‘keeping the lights on’ for more than 50 years; the company’s decision “reflects the challenging market conditions over the last few years and the context of the drive to decarbonise electricity generation”.

As a result, Cottam “will no longer be economically viable beyond the end of September 2019”.

Plant manager Andy Powell said: “When the power station was built, it was designed to operate for 30 years. It is a credit to our people, the engineering and EDF Energy’s investment that it has operated for more than 50 years.

“There has been an aspiration to move away from coal for a long time now, and we have prepared thoroughly for the closure.

“We have a highly skilled and experienced workforce, and we’re determined to support our people throughout this process.”