GB Railfreight has run its first train from the Port of Liverpool to the Drax power station in Selby, North Yorkshire, transporting 1,600 tonnes of biomass pellets.
Graham Backhouse, Drax head of supply chain & logistics, said: “Using cutting edge biomass technology we are transforming the UK’s largest Power Station into one of Europe’s largest generators of renewable electricity. Receiving biomass from Liverpool is another example of how we provide the UK with sustainable, reliable and affordable energy.”
The operation represents the start of Phase 1 of the Liverpool project, with phase 2 to be completed in 2016. Ultimately it expects to use four sets of wagons to move up to three million tonnes of biomass a year from Liverpool to the power station.
GBRf managing director John Smith said: “Over the last two years, we have been working with Drax and the infrastructure operator to secure viable paths across the TransPennine rail network and answer the demands of one of our longest and most loyal customers.
