DRAX POWER STATION MEMBER SITE VISIT AUGUST 2025
DRAX POWER STATION – MEMBER SITE VISIT
On Thursday 21st August MHEA members were very lucky to enjoy a site visit which provided a unique insight into one of the UK’s most significant energy facilities, Drax Power Station.
As the country’s largest renewable power generator, Drax has transitioned from a traditional coal-fired plant to a predominantly biomass-fuelled operation, playing a central role in the UK’s journey towards decarbonisation.
The visit began with an introduction to the history of Drax, outlining its evolution and the scale of its contribution to the national grid. Our members were guided through the site to see key operational areas, including the biomass domes that store sustainable wood pellets, the turbine hall and control rooms where power generation is monitored and managed in real time and the technologies that underpin large-scale biomass conversion, and the ongoing innovation at Drax, including carbon capture and storage projects.
The visit also highlighted Drax’s wider role in energy security, sustainability and the future of low-carbon power.
Members were provided direct exposure to large-scale biomass handling and conversion technologies, including the logistics of importing, drying and storing wood pellets within purpose-built storage domes designed for explosion mitigation and dust control.
Members also gained insight into the fuel conveyance systems, combustion processes and emissions management infrastructure.
In the turbine hall, we observed the scale and design of high-capacity steam turbines, with discussion of thermal efficiency, maintenance challenges and the integration of legacy coal plant equipment into a modern renewable framework.
The control room illustrated real-time monitoring, grid balancing requirements and the role of Drax in maintaining frequency and stability for the UK network.
Also highlighted was Drax’s ongoing engineering initiatives, including trials in bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS). These projects are presented as critical pathways for achieving negative emissions and ensuring long-term system resilience.
Overall, the site visit gave the members valuable insights into applied large-scale energy engineering, retrofitting challenges, and the technical considerations of operating a complex renewable power asset at grid scale.
A huge thank you to Rob Millar, (Team Manager – Materials and Interfaces) and the Drax team for hosting us and sharing their expertise.
https://www.drax.com/about-us/our-sites-and-businesses/drax-power-station/
