Right that government is reviewing low carbon technology at Drax

The government has reviewed the level of subsidy given to Drax for its biomass power plant, cutting it by half with the site to be used only for generation to compensate for periods where there is very little wind or solar power.

As part of the agreement the government is also going to look at how to maximise the low-carbon aspect of generation at Drax, moving to 100% of fuel coming from sustainable sources. It is also to scrutinise more generally Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage technology in the UK.

Sue Ferns, Senior Deputy General Secretary of Prospect, said:

“This agreement is welcome and provides a cost-saving for the consumer as well as security for the workers at Drax and security for our energy supply.

“However, it is right that the government reviews the technology being used to ensure that a sustainable, low-carbon solution is found which guarantees the long-term future of the plant. The wider review of Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage is also welcome.

“In the meantime, Prospect is working with Drax to ensure that it has the skilled workforce arrangements in place to be able to provide the required intermittent support for the grid.”