By Renewable Energy Focus Staff

UK Energy Minister Charles Hendry has given formal consent to Drax to build two new 288 MW biomass plants.

The Ouse Renewable Energy Plant in Selby, North Yorkshire, will be by owned Drax Biomass (Selby) and built on land at the existing 4,000 MW Drax power station.

The Heron Renewable Energy Plant will be built by Drax Biomass (Immingham) at South Killingholme in North Lincolnshire.

During construction, both biomass developments will employ an average of around 600 people on site and have total workforces of around 150 when operational. Together, the two biomass stations will produce enough electricity to meet the needs of over a million homes.

Hendry says: “It is vital that we get investment in new power stations up and down the country to ensure secure energy supplies for people’s homes and businesses. I am very pleased to give the go-ahead for these two new biomass power stations in Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire. They will not only enhance our security of supply, but provide low-carbon electricity that reduces our carbon dioxide emissions.”