Uniper signs up Erith for demolition contract at Ratcliffe-on-Soar power station

Uniper has signed up Erith Group to carry out the demolition work at Ratcliffe-on-Soar power station, paving the way for the future redevelopment on the site.

Erith will, over the next four years, safely remove all Uniper structures on site, including the cooling towers. They will also remove all the associated waste products and leave the site flat and level.

Erith will mobilise on site in summer 2026, and will start the demolition work later in the year.

While the exact programme of work is yet to be set, it is anticipated that it could be around mid-2028 at the earliest for the main power station and turbine hall buildings to be demolished, and later for the chimney stack. It’s expected that the cooling towers will not be demolished before 2029, and in planning demolition Uniper will work closely with local stakeholders such as National Rail, National Highways and East Midlands Airport.

The power station closed at the end of September 2024, and Uniper has been undertaking decommissioning since that time to prepare the site for safe demolition.

Demolition will release large parts of the site for redevelopment.

The site has a Local Development Order in place which was granted by Rushcliffe Borough Council in July 2023. This means the site has outline permission for future sustainable development including low-carbon energy production, a data centre, battery production and energy storage. And a large section of the Ratcliffe site is part of the East Midlands Freeport, the UK’s only in-land Freeport. The council has recently approved an amendment to the LDO which allows for the development of a data centre on the south side of the site.

Mike Lockett, Uniper UK Country Chair, said: “We are extremely pleased to have brought Erith on board as our contractor for demolition. They are experts in their field and have a proven track record and we will work together to ensure a safe and compliant demolition. We know people are keen to see the redevelopment of the Ratcliffe site, and this is a significant step in that direction.”

Andy Dyson, Operations Director, Erith, said: "Ratcliffe-on-Soar power station is a significant site, both in terms of its scale and its role in the UK’s energy history. The transition following the end of coal-fired generation marks an important stage in how legacy infrastructure is managed and sites are repurposed.

Projects of this nature require specialist expertise to manage deconstructing complex assets safely and efficiently, and Erith are proud to support Uniper in delivering this phase.

The demolition of Ratcliffe power station will be delivered through a controlled, safety-first methodology, with a focus on programme certainty and environmental compliance.

Our approach combines proven large-scale power station demolition experience with detailed sequencing, active risk management and effective coordination. Working collaboratively with Uniper and the wider project team is central to this, ensuring the works are delivered safely, predictably and in line with surrounding operations and stakeholder requirements."

Photo: Ratcliffe-on-Soar power station, owned by Uniper. Credit: Uniper