Drax and Siemens Project Ventures have announced plans to develop a 290MW dedicated biomass-fired renewable energy plant on land adjacent to the existing Drax Power Station.

The power produced by the Ouse Renewable Energy Plant will, over its lifetime, contribute positively to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from UK power generation. The plant is predicted to result in a saving of 1,800,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO₂) each year, and to provide enough renewable electricity to power 512,000 homes.

The site at Drax has been selected as a potential location for a dedicated biomass-fired power station due to its proximity to the existing infrastructure, including connection to the electricity transmission network, water supply and discharge capability and transport facilities.

In addition, the adjacent buildings and structures of the existing Drax Power Station will minimise the visual impact of the proposed plant. The plant will consume approximately 1.4 million tonnes of biomass per year (dependent upon the actual types of biomass material used).

Although imported biomass will initially make up much of the fuel source, Drax is keen to develop the use of indigenous biomass fuels where available and the company is encouraging the development of local energy crops and other renewable supplies. Drax is also committed to investigating options for increasing the overall efficiency of the plant through the supply of surplus steam and/or heat to local industry or housing.

The plant will be water-cooled, using water from the nearby River Ouse, and biomass fuel will be transferred to the site via conveyors from off-loading facilities. Electricity will be exported from the plant on to the national electricity transmission network.

The proposal requires consent from the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC). Drax will submit a planning application to DECC, accompanied by a comprehensive Environmental Statement on all aspects of the development.

Drax also consulted with Selby District Council, North Yorkshire County Council, the Environment Agency, Natural England, members of the public and a range of other organisations.

Local public exhibitions were organised so that interested members of the public could take a closer look at the project proposals and discuss the plans on a one-to-one basis. Once the local public exhibitions had taken place Drax examined all the views expressed by local residents and other interested parties. Feedback from completed questionnaires showed that there was an 81% approval of the proposal and only a 5%negetive feeling towards it. A local newspapers, Selby Times ran a telephone newspaper poll after the public consultations had taken place and they confirmed an 84% approval rating.

The public exhibitions were held at Drax Sports and Social Club on Monday 27 April 2009 and Selby Town Hall on Tuesday 28 April 2009 from 2pm to 8pm.

Once the application is submitted, the Environmental Statement will be available for the public to study at the offices of the local planning authority.

Dorothy Thompson, Chief Executive at Drax, explained: “Our venture into dedicated biomass-fired electricity generation underpins our commitment to reducing the carbon footprint of UK electricity production.”

The renewable energy plant will bring significant economic benefits to the local community. For the area surrounding the development at Drax Power Station it will mean:

• Up to 850 jobs during the three-year construction period

• Contract opportunities for local businesses during the construction period

• Up to 150 local jobs through direct and contract employment opportunities once the plant is operational