In the quest for cleaner energy, biomass has often been heralded as a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. However, a recent report has thrown this assumption into question, particularly regarding the Drax biomass power plant in North Yorkshire, UK. According to findings from the think tank Ember, Drax’s operations in 2023 produced four times more carbon dioxide than the UK’s last remaining coal power station, Ratcliffe on Soar. This revelation has sparked a debate on whether biomass energy is as environmentally friendly as it’s claimed to be.
The report highlighted that the Drax plant, which burns wood chips imported from the U.S., emitted 11.5 million tonnes of CO2 last year. This accounted for a staggering 3% of the UK’s total emissions, casting doubt on the plant’s classification as carbon-neutral. The report also pointed out that Drax’s emissions were higher than the next four most polluting UK plants combined.
These figures are particularly troubling given that Drax has received nearly £7 billion in clean-energy subsidies since 2012, funds sourced from UK energy bills. These subsidies are intended to support the generation of renewable energy, but Ember’s analysis suggests that biomass might not be delivering the carbon savings it promises. The effectiveness of biomass largely depends on the replanting of trees used for fuel, a process that is not always guaranteed.
Drax has strongly disputed Ember’s findings, labeling the report as “flawed” and arguing that it overlooks their “widely accepted and internationally recognized” carbon accounting methods. The company also pointed to its plans to implement bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) technology, which they claim will make the Drax plant the world’s first carbon-negative power station. According to Drax, BECCS is a proven technology and the only large-scale method to generate renewable power while also removing carbon from the atmosphere.
The controversy surrounding Drax’s biomass operations raises important questions about the future of renewable energy. While biomass has been seen as a greener alternative to coal, the new data suggests that its environmental benefits might not be as clear-cut as once thought. As the UK and other nations continue to transition to renewable energy sources, it’s crucial to critically assess the true impact of these technologies on our planet.
In the case of Drax, the debate is far from over. As the government deliberates on further subsidies for the plant post-2027, the findings from Ember could play a significant role in shaping the future of biomass energy in the UK.
Here at GLEG, our Flexible and Fixed electricity contracts are sourced 100% from solar, wind and hydro power.