The project proposes to install afterburner capture technology that would capture carbon dioxide emissions from up to two of the existing biomass units at the 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 the 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 consideration on 20 June 2022.
Following an examination during which the public, statutory consultees and interested parties were given the opportunity to present evidence to the examining authority, recommendations were made to the Secretary of State on 17 October 2023.
This is the 130th infrastructure project of national importance and the 76th energy application to have been examined by the Planning Inspectorate within the deadlines set out in the Planning Act 2008.
Planning Inspectorate chief executive Paul Morrison said:
โThe Planning Inspectorate has reviewed more than 100 infrastructure projects of national importance since the Planning Act 2008 process was introduced, ensuring local communities have had the opportunity to participate in the review of projects that may affect them.
โLocal communities continue to be given the opportunity to participate in the consideration of projects that may affect them. Local people, local authorities and other interested parties were able to participate in this six-month review.
"The Examining Authority heard and fully considered all local views and 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 arriving at its recommendation are publicly available at theNational Infrastructure Planning website project pages.
Journalists seeking further information should contact the Planning Inspectorate Press Office on 0303 444 5004 or 0303 444 5005 or by email:
Press.office@planninginspectorate.gov.ukโฏ
Notes to editors:
The Planning Inspection National Infrastructure Projects Program details the proposals that are expected to be submitted to the Urban Planning Inspection as applications in the coming months.
