GB Railfreight Surpasses 10,000 Biomass Train Deliveries, Supporting UK Energy SecurityGB Railfreight Surpasses 10,000 Biomass Train Deliveries, Supporting UK Energy Security Transport company GB Railfreight has achieved a significant milestone, completing its 10,000th delivery of a biomass train from Liverpool to Drax Power Station in North Yorkshire. This landmark accomplishment highlights the crucial role of rail freight in reducing emissions and supporting the UK’s energy security. Since 2016, GB Railfreight has supplied over 15 million tonnes of biomass to Drax Power Station and Peel Ports in Liverpool. According to Drax, the biomass transported by these 10,000 train journeys will generate electricity for approximately 4 million homes and businesses. Rail freight offers significant environmental benefits compared to road freight, with 76% lower CO2 emissions per tonne. Additionally, each freight train eliminates up to 129 truck movements, reducing traffic congestion on the road network. John Smith, CEO of GB Railfreight, emphasized the company’s partnership with Drax and Peel Ports, highlighting its contribution to UK energy security. He noted that the 10,000 journeys undertaken over the past eight years have supported Drax in providing low-carbon energy for homes and businesses nationwide. Mark Gibbens, Head of Logistics at Drax, acknowledged the vital role of Drax’s supply chain partners in maintaining the power supply to millions of homes and businesses. He commended the long-standing relationships with GB Railfreight and Peel Ports. Jon Hassett, Deputy Ports Director of Peel Ports Mersey Cluster, emphasized the importance of ports in the UK energy supply and highlighted the company’s investment in improving environmental performance. He expressed pride in the collaboration with Drax and GB Railfreight, leveraging the port’s rail links to support sustainable energy production. This achievement underscores the growing significance of rail freight in the transition to a more sustainable and resilient energy system. By reducing emissions and enhancing energy security, GB Railfreight is playing a vital role in supporting the UK’s energy needs while promoting environmental stewardship.
Transport company GB Railfreight has completed the 10,000th delivery of its biomass train, from Liverpool to Drax Power Station in Selby, North Yorkshire.
The organisation said it has supplied more than 15 million tonnes of biomass to Peel Ports, Liverpool and Drax Power Station since 2016.
According to Drax, the biomass transported by these 10,000 train journeys will supply electricity to as many as 4 million homes and businesses.
According to GB Railfreight, rail freight plays an important role in reducing emissions in UK supply chains.
Rail freight transport has 76% lower CO2 emissions per tonne than road freight transport. In addition, each freight train can save up to 129 truck movements, which helps to relieve the road network.
John Smith, CEO of GB Railfreight, said: “We are extremely proud of our partnership with Drax and Peel Ports. As we have seen in recent years, the UK’s long-term energy security is a key component of economic stability and national security.
“The 10,000 journeys we have made over the past eight years have supported Drax and the UK government in producing low-carbon energy for all of us.
“This electricity has powered homes and businesses across the country, ensuring everyone’s needs are met – from keeping the central heating on in winter to powering our electric vehicles.”
Mark Gibbens, Head of Logistics at Drax, said: “Drax Power Station’s supply chain partners play a vital role in helping us keep the lights on for millions of homes and businesses across the UK, whatever the weather. We have long-standing relationships with both GB Railfreight and Peel Ports and we are delighted to celebrate this incredible milestone with both.”
Jon Hassett, Deputy Ports Director, Peel Ports Mersey Cluster said: “Ports are vital to the energy supply of the whole country in many ways. Our relationship with Drax and GB Railfreight is a perfect example of how we are working with customers to improve our collective environmental performance.
“We are proud that we have invested £100 million in our biomass terminal to make this a reality and that our rail links in the port are being used so well.”
