Energy company RWE Npower had planned to build a £2b coal-powered plant on the site of the former Blyth Power Station in Cambois, saying it could create 150 new jobs.
The company hoped the plant could be operational by 2014 and incorporate new Carbon Capture and Storage technology to reduce its greenhouse emissions.
But it now looks as if the plant will not be built for at least 20 years after a change in Government policy reduced the number of new stations to be built, it was claimed.
Malcolm Reid, of People Against New Coal Stations (PANiC Stations), told a meeting of the East Bedlington Parish Council that a shift in energy policy meant only four stations would be built across the UK in "clusters" where industrial demand is highest.
"The change in government policy means their idea to have eight or nine new coal plants has been reduced to just four," said Mr Reid.
"Now it seems that the proposals for the Cambois site are unlikely to go ahead.
"The Government looks likely to build new plants near to existing ones in 'clusters', to reduce opposition and to draw on the infrastructure that exists in industrial areas.
"In the north east the grid network just can not cope with the extra electricity generated by a new plant at Cambois–generating six times as much as the old one. It doesn't have the capacity
"This part of the network is used as a balance, transferring electricity up to Scotland and south to England.
"The plans for Cambois are certainly not going to go ahead in the next 10 years, and maybe delayed for up to 20 years.
"So when will the residents of Cambois get some certainty about what is going to happen? We need regeneration."
Cambois resident Dorothy O'Connor said the village was in dire need of new homes and facilities.
"It is vital we get a vision for the future," she said.
"There has been little movement since the old station was demolished, with no investment in the area.
"If this new station has been shelved, then we can not wait another 20 years for investment."
Members of the parish council unanimously agreed to discuss possible plans with county council officials.
Chair Allan Stewart cited plans by Banks to build 470 new homes on the site of the former Vald Birn foundry, north of the village's existing 700 houses.
"We need to know what is happening with these plans and we need to support them," he said.
"County council officers need to come to Cambois, meet with residents and listen to our concerns."
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