The landscape of North Nottinghamshire is undergoing a significant transformation today as the final eight cooling towers of the former Cottam Power Station are set to be demolished. The controlled detonation, scheduled for 11 a.m., marks a major milestone in the decommissioning and clearance of the historic coal-fired site.
The power station, a prominent feature of the local skyline for over 50 years, was officially decommissioned by EDF Energy in 2019, in line with the UK's commitment to ending coal-fired power generation. The demolition process has been underway for some time, with the main chimney stack, boiler house, and turbine hall already brought down in previous explosive events.
The demolition of the cooling towers is considered a "high-profile event," with local authorities and police consulted to ensure safety. Residents in the area have been informed that while the collapse will be heard off-site, any noise will be brief, and measures are in place to suppress dust.
While the loss of the iconic towers signifies the end of an era for the local community, the site's future is focused on a new chapter of clean energy. The former Cottam site, along with other decommissioned coal plants in the region, is part of a broader plan to transform the area into a "clean energy supercluster."
Though specific details for the Cottam site are still being finalized, a separate proposal for the "Cottam Solar Project" has already received development consent. This project, which would connect to the existing substation at the former power station, aims to generate enough clean energy to power 180,000 homes.
The full demolition of the Cottam Power Station site is expected to be completed in early 2026.
