Pre-demolition Survey for Ferrybridge Power Station Decommission

As the UK continues its transition away from coal-fired power generation, our specialist team at Lucion Services was engaged by SSE Generation Limited to conduct comprehensive pre-demolition surveys at Ferrybridge Power Station, a significant 1950s industrial facility which ceased operations in 2016.

The Challenge

Ferrybridge Power Station presented one of the UK power sector’s most complex survey projects. The vast industrial site featured over 100 structures, including a 200-metre-long boiler house standing 60 metres high, turbine halls, flue-gas desulphurisation plant, eight cooling towers, three chimneys, and extensive coal handling infrastructure including stock yard buildings, conveyors and transfer houses.

This unique environment demanded exceptional coordination across multiple technical disciplines while maintaining rigorous safety standards throughout operational areas.

Our asbestos services delivered on this project included:

Pre-demolition asbestos surveys, testing and analysis
Cristobalite assessment
Refractory Ceramic Fibres (RCF) identification
Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) analysis
Total Variable Count (TVC) analysis for legionella detection
Laboratory testing

£450k Contract Value

13k Asbestos Samples Taken

150+ Structures & Buildings Surveyed

Technical Solution

Through strategic collaboration with SSE Generation Limited, a comprehensive surveying programme was developed. A specialist team of 15 surveyors, supported by dedicated project and account managers, implemented a zone-based methodology ensuring thorough assessment while maintaining strict operational safety protocols. The programme integrated multiple access strategies, combining rope access technicians, MEWPs, and specialist civils teams for concrete investigation works.

1 Programme Execution

2 Power Infrastructure Decommissioning Expertise

3 Qualified Industrial Personnel

Programme Execution

The intensive 12-week programme demanded meticulous planning and coordination. Implementation of a comprehensive permit-to-work system, with specially trained permit issuers and acceptors among the survey teams, ensured seamless coordination between survey activities and site operations. Daily operations meetings with the station manager, department heads and sub-contractor managers facilitated proactive hazard management and maintained programme momentum.

Our project manager’s co-location with SSE’s Decommissioning Manager enabled immediate resolution of technical queries, while weekly progress meetings and four director-level site tours ensured consistent quality monitoring. The surveying teams documented all building fabrics, plant items, and associated infrastructure, collecting and analysing over 13,000 samples to create comprehensive demolition intelligence.

Power Infrastructure Decommissioning Expertise

Our work at Ferrybridge Power Station exemplifies technical excellence in power infrastructure decommissioning. Through deployment of UKAS-accredited testing procedures and ISO 17025 accredited laboratory services, this successful project delivery adds to an extensive portfolio of power station surveys, including projects at Eggborough, Rugeley, and other major facilities throughout the UK.

Qualified Industrial Personnel

Our commitment to excellence is underpinned by our professional accreditations and comprehensive training programme, including BOHS P402 qualified surveyors, UKAS accredited testing procedures (ISO 17020 for surveying and ISO 17025 for laboratory services), and specialist power station competencies. Our surveyors hold mandatory industrial qualifications including Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) cards, confined space training, and specialist access certifications (IPAF for mobile elevating platforms and PASMA for access towers) essential for complex power station environments. This expertise is maintained through regular competency assessments, with surveyors undergoing at least four technical audits annually to ensure continued compliance with UKAS guidance RG8 for high-risk industrial environments.

The expertise demonstrated at Ferrybridge showcases capabilities honed across multiple coal-fired power stations and nuclear facilities, positioning Lucion at the forefront of Britain’s energy transition.