Backing urged for biomass schemes
THE Government has been urged to do more to support biomass schemes to provide alternative sources of energy at Europe's largest coal-fired power station, in Yorkshire.
Energy Minister Charles Hendry met the chief executive of Drax, Dorothy Thompson, last week after the company announced a vision which could see it switch to coal-free electricity generation by burning increasing amounts of biomass at its power station near Selby.
Drax has argued biomass, organic plant-based material which can be derived from agricultural residue such as oak husks, straw and cocoa shells, is the world's fourth-largest energy resource, behind oil, coal and gas.
The Tory MP for Thirsk and Malton, Anne McIntosh, said the Drax biomass project would bring opportunities for Yorkshire farmers and urged Mr Hendry to provide greater backing.