Drax has put its multi-million-pound investment programme into the bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) project at Drax Power Station on hold.
The government has shown support for carbon capture and storage (CCS) in the recent Budget.
However, Drax needs its BECCS project to gain Track 1 status – without it, Drax Power Station may become unviable, unable to contribute secure power during critical times., the energy giant has said.
It is estimated that Drax’s biomass units provide up to 11% of total GB electricity generation, and up to 70% of renewable generation.
Losing Drax’s and other biomass units from the GB electricity system is predicted to reduce dispatchable capacity to 80% of peak demand.
This would increase reliance on gas and power imports, generation from intermittent renewables, and increase costs for consumers, according to Drax.
Drax Chief Executive Officer Will Gardiner stated that while they welcome the government’s plan to invest billions in carbon capture and storage, a firm commitment to BECCS is needed before investing £2 billion into installing the technology at Drax Power Station.
Gardiner also expressed that until there is clarity on this matter, Drax has put its multi-million-pound investment programme in the UK BECCS project on hold.
He urged the government to use the planned announcement at the end of the month to outline their support for BECCS.
Further delays to the BECCS project could have consequences on the UK’s security of supply, net zero, and levelling-up ambitions, as well as the viability of Drax Power Station, according to Gardiner.
A Department for Energy Security and Net Zero spokesperson told ELN: “We are committed to reducing our carbon emissions and achieving energy security – and carbon capture has a significant role to play in getting us there.
Source : Energy News
