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Written question asked by Richard Holden (Conservative) on Friday, 28 August 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 2 September 2026. It was answered by Michael Shanks (Labour) on Monday, 7 September 2026 on behalf of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.

Drax Power Station: Biofuels

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether any review has been undertaken of biomass sustainability verification procedures following allegations raised in the Drax whistleblower case.

Answer

The Government keeps arrangements for assuring compliance with biomass sustainability requirements under review and is committed to a process of continuous improvement in biomass sustainability standards, compliance, and verification.

This includes considering lessons from Ofgem’s extensive 2024 investigation into Drax’s sustainability reporting and the recently completed global audit of Drax’s biomass supply chain which Ofgem required Drax to conduct and fund. Reporting and verification arrangements have been strengthened under the new contract with Drax from 2027-31, including enhanced audit rights for the Low Carbon Contracts Company.

These lessons will also inform the forthcoming Common Biomass Sustainability Framework, which will strengthen sustainability criteria and ensure greater consistency across sectors in the longer term.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
21971
Session
2026-27
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Disclosure of information Biofuels Drax power station
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk