The ESB scheme is planned to be built at the site of the former Oxiris Chemical works in east Knottingley.
The Knottingley Power project comprises several elements which include cooling water infrastructure, electrical grid connection and a new 8km gas pipeline running to Gateforth.
Construction is expected to take 40 months, requiring an average of about 400 workers per day, peaking at 1,100 workers in months 24 to 32.
Plant construction is expected to start in 2015.