The company is seeking views from a wide range of experts, including academics, non-governmental organizations and the biomass for energy industry in a consultation on the Biomass Carbon Calculator to ensure that the methodology is as accurate and transparent as possible so it is more effective.
“As part of this commitment to support the UK’s net zero target, Drax is also ensuring that the supply chain for the sustainable biomass pellets we use to generate renewable electricity is as low carbon as possible.”
She explained that in order to do that, it’s vital that Drax and the rest of the biomass industry has the clearest picture possible of emissions in the production and transportation of the pellets, by using actual supply chain data to help raise the quality of carbon accounting for biomass.
“That’s why we’re calling on academics, scientists, regulators and non-governmental organizations, as well as those in the biomass industry, to participate in the consultation to help further improve the modeling for this new calculator and create a higher industry standard for emissions reporting,” she concluded.
Drax’s Biomass Carbon Calculator has already been independently reviewed against the greenhouse gas calculation methodology laid out in the Renewable Obligation, one of the main support mechanisms for large-scale renewable electricity projects in the UK, which has helped the country to decarbonize faster than any other in the world. This independent review also verified the calculator for compliance with the EU’s Renewable Energy Directive II.
Following the six-week consultation, Drax will undertake further third-party verification to ensure the new calculator remains in compliance with regulatory requirements.
The creation of the Biomass Carbon Calculator is one of a number of initiatives Drax is taking to develop world-leading policies and tools to create greater clarity and transparency across the biomass industry.
Photo: Sustainable biomass wood pellets being loaded at the Port of Greater Baton Rouge onto a vessel destined for Drax Power Station
