Drax invites businesses to find out how they could become part of supply chain for new technology

The Drax biomass domes in the evening light.

• New programme of nationwide events will encourage British businesses to work with renewable energy pioneer Drax to deliver its multi-billion-pound climate-saving negative emissions technology – bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS).
• Events series marks a crucial step on Drax’s journey to deliver this pioneering technology in the 2020s.
• Event launch comes as Drax prepares to start a major public consultation on its BECCS plans in November, offering stakeholders and communities the chance to learn more about the project.

The company will be hosting a series of nationwide events throughout 2022 in partnership with the West & North Yorkshire and Hull & Humber Chambers of Commerce, as well as further events across the wider North, Midlands and South of England. These will enable Drax to identify a robust supply chain for BECCS, ensuring the project can be accelerated as soon as planning approval is received.

The event series will start with an introductory webinar on Thursday September 23, 2021, run with business support organisation NOF. The initial event will give new and prospective suppliers the opportunity to learn more about the BECCS project, as well as how they can be involved in delivering this vital negative emissions technology.

Graham Backhouse, Drax’s Commercial Director for the BECCS project, said: “Negative emissions technologies like BECCS will play a vital role in enabling the UK to reach its net zero goals. At its peak, BECCS at Drax will protect and create over 10,000 jobs, levelling up the north, and positioning the UK as a global leader in this climate-saving technology.

“This programme of events is a fantastic opportunity for businesses of all sizes to get involved and learn more about the project, and we want to encourage a range of companies from across the country to take part.”

Drax has a proven track record in delivering ambitious and pioneering infrastructure projects – the conversion of its power station in North Yorkshire to use sustainable biomass instead of coal has enabled it to become the UK’s largest single site renewable generator, reducing its emissions by over 90% and paving the way for the deployment of BECCS.

The event takes place ahead of a formal public consultation on Drax’s BECCS plans in November, when stakeholders including local communities will be able to learn more about the proposed project and provide their feedback.

Businesses which are interested in attending the introductory supplier event webinar on September 23, or the event series more generally and how they can be involved, can register their interest via www.drax.com/supplierevent.