Drax, a leading renewable energy company, has announced a new partnership with NGIS, a global expert in Geospatial technology, to assess and monitor the carbon stocks in the forests across the US and Canada from which it sources its sustainable biomass, according to the press release.
As a producer, consumer, and seller of biomass pellets, Drax operates the UK’s largest renewable power station, Drax Power Station, which generated over 5% of the nation’s electricity in 2024, primarily using biomass pellets sourced from North America.
The collaboration signals significant progress toward fulfilling Drax’s Sustainability Framework, which includes a commitment to providing evidence on forest carbon stocks in its main biomass sourcing regions by the end of 2026.
Miguel Veiga-Pestana, Drax Group’s Chief Sustainability Officer, commented on the partnership: “We are thrilled to launch this collaboration with NGIS. It will play a key role in helping us meet the goals outlined in our Sustainability Framework, particularly in working with our supply chain to ensure our biomass sourcing is free from deforestation, degradation, and conversion. We believe that this new data on carbon stocks in our sourcing areas will help bolster global confidence in biomass as a sustainable energy source. This partnership will also guide our work with suppliers and support our commitment to sustainable biomass.”
Veiga-Pestana also highlighted that sustainable biomass is an important and secure renewable energy source. Drax sources biomass from forests managed for high-quality lumber, which is used in industries like construction and furniture-making. Residual wood products from these forests, including defective logs, branches, sawdust, and bark, are then processed into biomass pellets that help power the UK.
NGIS, a Google Premier Partner specializing in Geospatial solutions, will utilize Earth Observation data, along with Google AI and machine learning tools, to monitor and model the carbon sequestration in forests that supply Drax. The data will also track forest health indicators, such as tree cover and condition.
This information will be made available to Drax via an easy-to-use digital platform, where users can access satellite imagery and track changes in forest areas over time, such as tree harvesting and subsequent regrowth or reforestation efforts.
Nathan Eaton, Executive Director of NGIS, praised the partnership, stating: “This collaboration is a prime example of how innovative Geospatial technology can support Drax in meeting its significant sustainability commitments while addressing the world’s growing demand for secure, renewable energy.”
Drax is already leveraging this new data to engage with its supply chain, tailoring initiatives to promote forest health, biodiversity, and to assess the impacts of natural events like floods, diseases, fires, and hurricanes on forests.
