ESG helps Drax fuel a cleaner future

Drax Group, the energy generation business responsible for supplying some 8% of the UK's electricity, has awarded ESG a five-year contract to continue fuel testing and analysis work at its plant near Selby, North Yorkshire. This follows a seven-year partnership between the two companies.

The new contract means ESG will continue to provide a wide range of biofuel testing services for Drax's road, rail, and ship consignments, as well as operate a UKAS accredited sample preparation laboratory on site. ESG will also advise on Drax's in-house cargo sampling processes.

Drax is currently transforming itself into a major biomass fueled electricity generator. By the end of the year it will have reduced its carbon footprint by some 12 million tonnes, making this Europe's single largest decarbonisation project.

Jim Clay, operations director, Energy Services, ESG says: 'When it comes to biofuel testing, ESG sets the standard and this new contract is a great opportunity to showcase our fuel testing expertise, while being at the forefront of the energy sector during its important transition to a low carbon economy.

'As the first laboratory in the country to gain extensive accreditation for our biomass analysis offering, we are developing our business in line with the energy industry's shift in focus to renewable and recyclable fuels. We are proud to be the UK's leading provider of testing, inspection and compliance services, and by continuing to support Drax's sustainability initiatives through our broad portfolio of energy testing and consultancy services, we will help to ensure that the UK's carbon emissions are significantly reduced.'

Andrew Koss, Drax's CEO, adds: 'At Drax, our aim is to lead from the front and provide low carbon and reliable renewable power for the UK market. ESG and Drax have enjoyed a positive relationship over the last seven years, having worked together on a number of key projects. We are both committed to low carbon energy and are confident that this contract is a further step towards the development of a cleaner UK energy sector.'