Drax’s focus on UK biomass includes energy crops (such as miscanthus, short rotation coppice and short rotation forestry), traditional agricultural by-products such as straw, as well as traditional woody biomass from the forestry sector. Until now our programme for energy crops has been facilitated by working with leading producer groups and this is something we intend to continue, although we believe to achieve the volumes needed by Drax more must be done.

To offer more options to growers to be part of the biomass market supply chain, we have made the decision to work directly with individual farmers and landowners and offer direct offtake contracts for both energy crops and straw under our Green Shoots programme.

Why be part of Green Shoots?

A direct supply contract with Drax gives farmers and foresters the assurance that they are dealing with one of the UK’s leading power generators, that is financially strong, secure and reliable and clearly focused on the biomass sector.

Our biomass procurement strategy and experience means that we understand the process of preparation, planting and harvesting, and recognise the importance of appropriate payment structures. This is why Drax will structure contracts whereby payment is made very soon after collection of the biomass. We will also be happy to discuss staged payments depending on the growing cycle and harvesting of your crop type.

A direct supply contract with Drax is intended to be simple and aims to build a strong and secure supply relationship with you.

Support and management contracts

We are in the process of identifying the right companies to work with to provide a “field to furnace” service for growers. The aim is to provide support and advice on agronomy, planting and sustainability principles for crops, as well offering assistance in securing available grants and financial support. Once we have entered into our “Green Shoots” contract direct with you, we can either pass your details on to the management companies working with Drax or you can make your own arrangements with your existing or preferred companies.

Sustainability

We firmly believe in securing biomass from sustainable sources and to reinforce this commitment have established a sustainability policy. All our purchase contracts ensure suppliers comply with and provide information to show these principles are being met.