GB Railfreight and Drax keep the lights on

GB Railfreight is continuing to work closely with Drax, to continue the supply of a sustainable biomass needed for the UK’s largest power station, to generate electricity for millions of homes, throughout the COVID-19 crisis.

Severe storms and flooding damaged tracks near Drax in February, and now, GBRf is working closely with the energy provider to reschedule rail deliveries and maximise capacity on the rail link, while the repairs are completed, while maintaining the vital supplies of biomass needed for Drax to generate enough renewable electricity for up to four million households.

The rail planners who helped rework the timetable to accommodate the new train timings, combined forces with train drivers, signal controllers, Network Rail train marshals, and Drax logistics specialists to restore flows of sustainable biomass to the power station.

John Smith, managing director of GB Railfreight, said: “GB Railfreight is playing its part in supporting the UK’s Covid-19 response by helping to keep essential services running across the country. Our partnership with Drax Power Station in Yorkshire is proof of this.

“We are delivering vital supplies of sustainable biomass which are transported across the country by rail to Drax, which supplies five percent of the UK’s electricity needs.

Will Gardiner, CEO of Drax said: “As teams work around the clock to keep generating the power the country needs, their health, safety and wellbeing are vital. Across all our sites we have implemented strategies to reduce the chances of spreading the virus and have operational plans in place to ensure continued delivery of power into the grid.

“GBRf’s rail deliveries are an important part of our global supply chain for sustainable biomass that supports thousands of jobs and has delivered economic growth across the north of England and in the US south.”

Nick King, Group Director, Network Services for Network Rail, said: “The railway plays a crucial part in keeping Britain running, particularly in these challenging times and strong teamwork across the rail industry is absolutely key in keeping freight services moving.

“Recent flooding in this area brought additional challenges to keeping services moving, however the hard work and dedication of our people has meant that vital supplies of sustainable biomass have continued to be transported.”