Drax welcomes EU support of “sustainably sourced biomass”

Global renewable energy firm, Drax Group, has welcomed a positive conclusion of the European Union’s discussions on the revision of the Renewable Energy Directive (REDIII).
The agreement reached by the EU Institutions this week recognises the importance of sustainably sourced biomass within the region, providing renewable, reliable power while displacing fossil fuels and supporting good forest management.
Drax stated that "counterproductive and arbitrary proposals", such as a cap on the use of primary wood biomass, that were presented during the legislative process, have been rejected.
It added they would have had "serious consequences" for the EU's energy security and forest health, had they been adopted.
The agreement demonstrates the EU’s continued support for sustainable biomass, and will strengthen sustainability standards to reflect good forest management practices, said Drax.
It will also align with the cascading principle to ensure that wood is utilised to its highest economic and environmental added value.
The updated Directive reaffirms sustainably sourced biomass as a 100% renewable energy source, and it includes provisions to ensure that biomass goes to the highest value application, including Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS), a vital carbon removal technology in which Drax plans to become a global leader.
Drax CEO, Will Gardiner said, “Biomass has a critical role to play in supporting energy security as the world decarbonises, providing reliable, renewable power and displacing fossil fuels. We are pleased to see the European Union recognise the importance of biomass within the region and take steps to further strengthen its sustainability and forestry standards.
“As a global leader in sustainable biomass, we are committed to ensuring that the biomass we source has a positive impact on climate, nature and the communities in which we operate and hope this decision will ensure biomass continues to play a central role in Europe’s energy transition.”
The final text of the agreement has yet to be published.