Drax Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage Project development consent decision announced
Today, 16 January 2024, the Drax Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage Project application has been granted development consent by the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero.
The project proposes to install post-combustion capture technology that would capture carbon dioxide emissions from up to two of the existing biomass units at Drax Power Station.
The proposal includes the construction and operation of carbon capture technology and associated equipment, and the integration of the units into the existing Common Services at Drax Power Station. The proposal includes associated development.
The application was submitted to the Planning Inspectorate for consideration by Drax Power Limited on 23 May 2022 and accepted for Examination on 20 June 2022.
Following an Examination during which the public, Statutory Consultees and Interested Parties were given the opportunity to give evidence to the Examining Authority, recommendations were made to the Secretary of State on 17 October 2023.
This is the 130th Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project and 76th energy application to have been examined by The Planning Inspectorate within the timescales laid down in the Planning Act 2008.
The Planning Inspectorate’s Chief Executive, Paul Morrison said:
“The Planning Inspectorate has now examined more than 100 nationally significant infrastructure projects since the Planning Act 2008 process was introduced, ensuring local communities have had the opportunity of being involved in the examination of projects that may affect them.
“Local communities continue to be given the opportunity of being involved in the examination of projects that may affect them. Local people, the local authority and other Interested Parties were able to participate in this six-month Examination.
“The Examining Authority listened and gave full consideration to all local views and the evidence gathered during the Examination before making its recommendation to the Secretary of State.”
The decision, the recommendation made by the Examining Authority to the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero and the evidence considered by the Examining Authority in reaching its recommendation are publicly available on the project pages of the National Infrastructure Planning website.
Journalists wanting further information should contact the Planning Inspectorate Press Office, on 0303 444 5004 or 0303 444 5005 or email:
Notes to editors:
The Planning Inspectorate’s National Infrastructure Programme of Projects details the proposals which are anticipated to be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate as applications in the coming months.