New Rd, Drax, Selby YO8 8PH
Drax
Drax power station is a large biomass power station in Drax, North Yorkshire, England, capable of co-firing petroleum coke. It has a 2.6 GW capacity for biomass and 1.29 GW capacity for coal. Its name comes from the nearby village of Drax. It is situated on the River Ouse between Selby and Goole.
Location
About
Drax Power Station is a coal-fired power station located in Selby, North Yorkshire, England. Although it may not be the typical tourist attraction, it certainly has an important place in the history and economy of the region, as well as being an engineering marvel.
As you approach the power station, the first thing you notice is the sheer size of the facility. With its towering chimneys and numerous cooling towers, it is a truly impressive sight. It is hard to imagine that the power station produces enough electricity to power six million homes, making it one of the largest power stations in Europe.
While it is not open to the public, visitors can take a guided bus tour of the power station, which provides a fascinating insight into the inner workings of the facility. The tour lasts approximately two hours and takes visitors around the various parts of the plant, including the control room, turbine hall, and coal yard. The guides are knowledgeable and informative, explaining the history of the power station and how it operates.
One of the highlights of the tour is the opportunity to see the huge turbines in action. The turbines are a marvel of engineering, weighing over 200 tonnes each and capable of generating 660 megawatts of electricity. Visitors can see the turbines spinning at an incredible speed, generating electricity that is sent out to the national grid.
Another interesting aspect of the power station is its use of biomass as a fuel source. Drax is the largest user of sustainable biomass in the world, and the facility is currently in the process of converting four of its six generating units to use this renewable fuel. Visitors can learn about how the biomass is sourced, transported and stored before being burned to produce electricity.
Overall, a visit to Drax Power Station is a unique and educational experience, offering visitors the opportunity to learn about the history and operation of one of Europe's largest power stations. It is a fascinating look into the world of energy production, and a reminder of the importance of sustainable energy sources in the fight against climate change.
Gallery
Opening Hours
| Friday | 8:30 am–3:45 pm |
|---|---|
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
| Monday | 8:30 am–4:45 pm |
| Tuesday | 8:30 am–4:45 pm |
| Wednesday | 8:30 am–4:45 pm |
| Thursday | 8:30 am–4:45 pm |