Drax Group, an international renewable energy company, has welcomed the discussions on revising the European Union’s Renewable Energy Directive (REDIII).
The EU Institutions reached a conclusion this week that recognized the importance of sustainably sourced biomass within the economic region as a source of renewable, reliable power that displaces fossil fuels and supports good forest management.
Proposals such as a cap on the use of primary wood biomass that were part of the legislative process have now been rejected, Drax said in a press release. The company considered such proposals “counterproductive and arbitrary,” adding that they could have led to serious consequences for energy security and forest health within the Union.
The newly reached agreement shows the EU’s continued support for sustainable biomass, and will be beneficial to sustainability standards and forest management practices, the company said.
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It will also make sure that wood is utilized to its maximum added value for both the economy and the environment, according to Drax.
The updated REDII confirms sustainably sourced biomass as a 100% renewable source of energy and ensures that biomass goes to the highest value application, including the CO2 removal technology Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS). Drax has the ambition to become a global BECCS leader.
“Biomass has a critical role to play in supporting energy security as the world decarbonizes, providing reliable, renewable power and displacing fossil fuels,” said Drax CEO, Will Gardiner. “We are pleased to see the European Union recognize the importance of biomass within the region and take steps to further strengthen its sustainability and forestry standards.”
About Drax
Renewable energy firm Drax Group specializes in renewable power generation, sustainable biomass production, and the sale of renewable electricity. The company operates a portfolio of sustainable biomass, hydroelectric, and pumped hydro storage assets in four locations in England and Scotland. Drax also operates a global bioenergy supply business that owns manufacturing plants at 13 sites in the U.S. and Canada. The company aims to become CO2 negative by 2030.
