Work is nearing completion on the first phase of the new US$154.9m biomass terminal at the Port of Liverpool, which will eventually handle three million tonnes of wood pellets a year as part of the decarbonisation of Drax Power Station.
The first phase of the new terminal, which will create 47 permanent jobs at the Port of Liverpool, will open in October, 2015 when four trains a day begin carrying wood pellets to Drax.
Liverpool Riverside MP, Louise Ellman, who recently visited the site, met with senior representatives from Peel Ports and Drax Group, to find out more about the project which proves the importance of East-West connectivity across the north of England.
Drax’s gradual conversion to biomass, which generates carbon savings of around 86% compared to coal, is a key part of the UK’s efforts to meet its 2020 renewable targets whilst keeping energy costs down for businesses and consumers.
The power station is the largest decarbonisation project in Europe and accounted for 12.3% of the UK’s renewable power in 2014.
The new biomass terminal is an important part of Peel Ports’ strategy around the transfer of freight from road to more sustainable rail and water solutions.
Louise Ellman MP said: “This project must be supported as part of The Northern Powerhouse. It will bring great benefits to Liverpool, including innovation, jobs and new trade opportunities.
“It is also a fantastic demonstration of the type of investment that will drive economic growth in the region through new port infrastructure, greater connectivity between east and west and new partnerships between great northern assets like the Port of Liverpool and Drax Power Station.”
Drax Head of Supply Chain & Logistics, Graham Backhouse said: “This new Liverpool terminal will add to the facilities on the East Coast of England, bolstering our supply chain still further. A robust supply chain is crucial to our operation as we continue the transition from coal to sustainable biomass providing the UK with reliable and affordable energy.”
Liverpool2, Peel Ports’ massive container terminal project, will enable the port to handle the largest container ships in the global fleet while at the same time doubling the port’s container capacity when it is open towards the end of December, 2015.
