First GBRf and Drax putting biomass on track

First GBRf will become the first freight operator to regularly move renewable biomass material on the rail network, following a new multi-million pound contract with Drax Power Limited.

Under the new deal, which will start in 2010, First GBRf will operate four train services a day, taking a variety of environmentally friendly biomass from the Port of Tyne to Drax Power Station near Selby, North Yorkshire.

In order to transport the fuel, First GBRf will introduce a number of specially modified coal hopper wagons (HYAs), which will have covers to ensure that the biomass is kept dry while moving on the rail network.

The wagons will have fully automated top and bottom doors, which will allow loading and unloading to be carried out efficiently, increasing the reliability of the service.

Each biomass train will consist of a Class 66 locomotive and 21 hopper wagons.

John Smith, managing director at First GBRf said: “We are absolutely delighted to be the first rail freight operator to carry biomass by rail.  By doing so we are not only opening up a new market to the freight industry, but also making a significant environmental contribution too.

“At First GBRf we are always investigating new ways of reducing our carbon footprint and we are thrilled to be working with Drax and assisting them to increase the amount of electricity created from a renewable source and further reduce CO² emissions.”

Dorothy Thompson, chief executive of Drax commented: “We firmly believe that sustainable biomass has an important role to play in the future energy mix of this country.  Through our sustainability policy we aim to reduce greenhouse gases by at least 70% compared to coal-fired generation through substituting coal with biomass.

“Emissions due to transportation are a key consideration when we calculate the ‘field to furnace’ impact of the biomass we source.  Our agreement with First GBRf to move biomass by rail makes an important contribution to our commitment to reduce not only our carbon footprint, but the carbon footprint of UK generation.”

To be the first rail haulier to win a contract to move biomass in Britain represents a significant first for First GBRf.

For further information, visit: http://www.gbrailfreight.com/

Published: 15/01/2010