Each year, approximately 4.5 million tonnes of biomass pellets are transported to Drax Power Station. This is managed by around 60 trains a week, amounting to about 3,000 trains annually. The shift from traditional red diesel to HVO is expected to reduce rail freight carbon emissions by up to 90%, equating to a reduction of over 12,000 tonnes of carbon each year. This is comparable to eliminating the emissions from 30 million miles of car journeys.
DB Cargo trains, now powered by HVO, will supply around 57% of Drax’s total biomass, aiding the company in generating enough renewable electricity to power nearly 2.3 million homes, which covers all households in Yorkshire and the Humber.
HVO, marketed as one of the world's purest and greenest fuels, is produced synthetically through the hydro-treatment process from waste vegetable oils or animal fats. Its use significantly cuts down harmful carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions compared to traditional diesel.
By deriving HVO from 100% waste products and excluding virgin materials in its production, this fuel offers a more sustainable alternative for powering diesel vehicles and machinery, aligning with Drax Group's commitment to environmental sustainability.
