Consultation Launches on Drax Power Permit Draft Decision

Drax Power permit is currently under review as the company seeks to modify its environmental permit to include carbon capture technology at its bioenergy facility located near Selby. After evaluating feedback and evidence from two previous public consultations, the Environment Agency is 'minded to' grant the permit variation. This indicates that, after considering the raised issues and concerns, no reasons have been identified to decline the application, although a final decision has yet to be made. Individuals can access the draft permit and decision documents on the Environment Agency’s Citizen Space page. The draft decision document outlines the reasoning behind the agency's decision-making process and explains how public comments from earlier consultations have been taken into account. The draft permit specifies the conditions that must be met if the permit is approved. This consultation period will remain open until Wednesday, June 24, 2026. The official website provides information on what aspects the Environment Agency can assess during its evaluation of the application. Ian Foster, Area Environment Manager for Yorkshire, stated, "We’ve thoroughly reviewed all documents, consultation feedback, and additional input from the operator, and at this stage, there are no grounds to refuse the variation application. Our regulatory framework is designed to safeguard both people and the environment, and we're conducting a comprehensive assessment." Foster emphasized the importance of public input, stating that it's essential for stakeholders to view the draft decision documents and share their opinions. The final decision will come after careful consideration of all consultation responses. The operator submitted this application for the variation in May 2023. At that time, the Environment Agency initiated a public consultation to allow feedback on the proposal. During its evaluation of the 2023 application, the Environment Agency found that the applicant had not presented enough information and requested a detailed assessment. In response, Drax provided a revised air emissions risk assessment, detailing potential substances that could originate from the carbon capture facility. A second consultation was subsequently held in February 2025. Carbon capture involves extracting carbon dioxide from waste gases—often through absorption in a special solvent—and decision-making regarding its utilization or underground storage, significantly curtailing emissions released into the atmosphere. Drax Power Ltd aims to capture the carbon dioxide produced during electricity generation to significantly limit its release into the environment. The captured carbon dioxide will be transported through a pipeline for permanent storage beneath the North Sea. The Environment Agency evaluates applications for environmental permits or any modifications to existing ones under the Environmental Permitting Regulations (EPR). Its responsibility is to assess whether applications comply with environmental legislation while ensuring high protection standards for the environment and public health. The agency will only grant the environmental permit revision if it deems that all conditions for safety and environmental integrity are met. For further information, you can explore the details on [GOV.UK](https://www.gov.uk/government/news/consultation-opens-on-drax-power-permit-draft-decision) or read about [carbon capture technology](https://www.wwf.org.uk/get-involved/campaigning/campaigns/carbon-capture). For more insights, visit our [Drax consultation page](www.globemigrant.com/drax-consultation) or check out the [Power permit draft decision section](www.globemigrant.com/power-permit-draft-decision).

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