UK-headed renewable energy major Drax Group plc has announced that its subsidiary Drax Power Ltd (Drax) has appointed Worley Europe Ltd (Worley), a subsidiary of Australia-headed global engineering consultancy provider WorleyParsons Ltd to begin a Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) study for its bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) project at Drax Power Station in Selby, North Yorkshire.
The program of works will provide the detailed design information and costings, which alongside confirmation of the financial model for BECCS and planning approval, would allow Drax to take a final investment decision (FID) in 2024, allowing the first unit to commence operation in 2027 and the second by 2030.
As well as the FEED study, Drax will commence site preparation works, including decommissioning and relocation work, creating the space required to develop the new infrastructure for BECCS.
The combined program of works represents a capital investment in the region of GBP40 million (≈ EUR 47 million) in BECCS at Drax Power Station during 2022.
Our investment in BECCS and the signing of this contract with Worley demonstrates Drax’s commitment to delivering a vital technology that is urgently needed to address the climate crisis. It’s no longer enough to reduce emissions – the world has got to start removing carbon from the atmosphere if we are to avert this climate crisis. The Government’s ambition for BECCS and its backing for the East Coast Cluster further demonstrates the vital role this negative emissions technology at Drax can play in helping the UK reach its net-zero targets, as well as creating and protecting thousands of jobs and kickstarting a new green economy, said Will Gardiner, CEO, Drax Group.
