Megawatt Valley was due to the presence of Ferrybridge C (1966–2016), Eggborough (1967–) and Drax (1974–) coal-fired power stations. This is one of the few remaining concentrations of British coal-fired generation, the power stations are located close to historic coal-mining sites on the South Yorkshire Coalfield and to the River Aire. Drax is a large power station capable of generating 7% of UK electricity demand and, despite being the UK's cleanest and most-efficient coal-fired power station is Europe’s biggest single source of carbon dioxide emissions. The term Megawatt Valley, in relation to the Yorkshire power stations, has been mentioned ("What ever happened
Beal, North Yorkshire was recorded as "Begale" in the Domesday Book of 1086. Kellingley Colliery, the last operating deep coal mine in the United Kingdom, was located in the parish until its closure in December 2015. Fishing on the River Aire is controlled by Leeds and District Amalgamated Society of Anglers. The main catches are roach and bream. Bus service 476 operated by Arriva Yorkshire, connects the village with Pontefract, Ferrybridge, Knottingley, Kellingley, Beal, Kellington, Eggborough, Burn, Brayton and Selby The village of Beal was a township in the ancient parish of Kellington in the wapentake of Osgoldcross and liberty of Pontefract in