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Ratcliffe-on-Soar power station
A vision to transform the UK’s last coal-fired power station into a technology, advanced manufacturing and energy hub
The Ratcliffe-on-Soar site has access to existing high-capacity utilities infrastructure, capable of supporting a range of intensive end uses, such as industrial and manufacturing processes, offering an immediate opportunity for redevelopment with all the necessary facilities to accommodate a major gigafactory development.
Uniper’s vision for the Ratcliffe site is to move towards becoming a zero-carbon technology and energy hub for the East Midlands, supporting continued economic growth, and helping to meet the region’s decarbonisation goals. Progress is already underway, with Uniper’s plans to develop an energy recovery facility at the site – known as the East Midlands Energy Re-Generation (EMERGE) Centre – have received planning approval from Nottinghamshire County Council. The facility will generate energy from non-hazardous domestic and commercial waste left over from the recycling process and is expected to be operational by 2026.
Key energy opportunities lay in the production and development of hydrogen energy, as well as a potential for nuclear energy following the decommissioning of the Ratcliffe-on-Soar power plant.
In parallel with the successful Freeport bid, work is ongoing with regional stakeholders, including the East Midlands Development Corporation, to bring forward plans for the redevelopment of the site to drive inward investment. This could happen well ahead of the closure of the power station at the end of September 2024, after it has fulfilled its commitments under the capacity market, and in line with government policy to end coal-fired power generation.
Key facts
- Vision towards becoming a zero-carbon technology and energy hub for the East Midlands
- Access to existing high-capacity utilities infrastructure
- A 273-hectare redevelopment opportunity with the majority of this located within the Freeport tax site boundary
- Excellent connectivity to East Midlands Airport, and to the wider UK national road and rail networks, including an existing site rail freight connection with proven capacity of over five million tonnes per year.
East Midlands Parkway station adjacent to the site - Access to existing high-capacity utilities infrastructure (power, heat and water) capable of supporting a range of intensive end uses, such as industrial and manufacturing processes
- Rights to large water extraction from the River Trent
Opportunity location
Why invest in Nottinghamshire?
Nottingham is a city with a rich past and a bright future. A city of leaders and legacy, known for its resilience, its compassion and its community spirit – just like its hero, Robin Hood. A city where you’ll find the legend of its outlaw hero and a thousand years of history at Nottingham Castle a stone’s throw from state-of-the-art developments emerging in Southside, Waterside and the Island Quarter. A place that’s on a mission to become the UK’s first carbon-neutral city by 2028, with unprecedented levels of investment in an award-winning, clean and green public transport system, electric vehicles and sustainable energy sources. A vibrant clash of creativity and culture, history and heritage, and world-class sports. A city where you’ll find independent shops, world cuisine and a thriving nightlife buzzing within the curious alleyways, boutique arcades and beautiful architecture. And two world-class universities nurturing innovation and independent minds, while a growing business scene secures their future. A place that’s always moving forward while celebrating its past. The biggest small city in the UK, nestled in the heart of the Midlands.
Insight for investors
- Type of investment sought: Developer/academic
- Value: TBC
- Site size: 273 hectares
- Timescale: 2022-2030
- Delivery timescale: Immediate
- Planning Status: Planning approval received for East Midlands Re-Generation (EMERGE) Centre
