The government has given permission to an energy company to generate more energy at a Norfolk power plant.

Ed Miliband, secretary of state for the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), has given his consent to RWE to increase the capacity at Great Yarmouth Power Station.

The gas-fired plant currently has a maximum capacity of about 400 megawatts electric (MW) - enough to meet the needs of more than 300,000 households.

The new consent will see the capacity increased to up to 430 MW.

Generating the additional electricity will not require any additional work to the station.

The then newly opened gas-fired power station in Great Yarmouth in 2001.The then newly opened gas-fired power station in Great Yarmouth in 2001. (Image: Mike Page)

Previously, an RWE spokesman said the application followed "incremental, modest improvements" at the plant which means it can produce "slightly more electricity".

In a decision letter published on Tuesday, October 1, John Wheadon, head of energy infrastructure planning delivery at the DESNZ, outlined Mr Miliband's response to the proposal.

Great Yarmouth Power Station, which is owned by RWE.Great Yarmouth Power Station, which is owned by RWE. (Image: Newsquest)

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It was noted the development would lead to increased atmospheric emissions but that the effects would "not be significant".

Another factor was the "continuing need for gas fired electricity generating stations and the role these generating stations play in the transition to Net Zero".

The letter concluded that the benefits of the proposed development would outweigh the potential harms resulting from the increase in generating capacity.

Ed Miliband, Secretary of State for the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero.Ed Miliband, Secretary of State for the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero. (Image: Maja Smiejkowska/PA) READ MORE: Take a look inside this Norfolk coastal power station in the 1950s

Great Yarmouth Power Station, located by the town's South Denes, opened in its current form in 2001.

The town's first power plant opened in 1894 and used steam engines and turbines to power industrial buildings and light public areas.

It was torn down in 1961, with a new oil-fired plant opening on South Denes Road.

That operated until 1984 and was eventually demolished, along with its iconic 360-foot chimney, in 1997.