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Drax is to enter formal discussions with the government to take forward its huge £2 billion Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage project.

Energy Security and Net Zero Secretary Grant Shapps has today confirmed its commitment to support deployment by 2030.

The plan for the huge power station in the Humber hinterland - a driving force behind proposals to decarbonise the whole region - have passed the deliverability assessment for the government’s project submission process. Talks will begin imminently to move the project forward, with it seen as key to the º£½ÇÊÓƵ being able to fulfil its commitment to achieving five million tonnes per year of engineered greenhouse gas removals by 2030.

Read more: Humber set to miss out on chance to lead º£½ÇÊÓƵ's carbon capture and storage push

It comes as the overarching Humber project for a dual network of pipelines to support carbon capture and hydrogen feedstock missed out on selection to lead the º£½ÇÊÓƵ’s push on the emission abatement technology. A follow-up extension to Track One looks set to be added later this year, with Humber projects hopeful then of feeding into the initial success in the North East, while a Track Two process also launches. Drax’s BECCS project is eligible for both.

The Government has also committed to publish its biomass strategy by the end of June, setting out how the technology could be deployed.

Drax Group chief executive Will Gardiner said: “Delivery of BECCS at Drax Power Station will help the º£½ÇÊÓƵ achieve its net zero targets, create thousands of jobs across the north and help ensure the º£½ÇÊÓƵ’s long-term energy security.

“We note confirmation that our project has met the Government’s deliverability criteria and Government remains committed to achieve 5Mtpa of engineered greenhouse gas removals by 2030 – a goal that cannot be achieved without BECCS at Drax Power Station. We will immediately enter into formal discussions with Government to take our project forward.

“With the right engagement from Government and swift decision making, Drax stands ready to progress our £2 billion investment programme and deliver this critical project for the º£½ÇÊÓƵ by 2030.”