NEW images of Drax Power Station’s proposed gas turbines are being released as the energy giant pushes on with plans to install some of the largest batteries in the world at its North Yorkshire plant.

Drax is to stage a new round of community events, giving local people the chance to have their say on the firm’s plans to repower up two of its remaining coal-fired electricity generating units with gas.

Drax’s project team will be on hand at the events to discuss the plans alongside new images and interactive displays showing what the development will include.

If the plans go ahead in their entirety, the development would include two combined-cycle gas turbines (CCGTs) which would also be capable of operating as rapid response gas power plants, with a combined capacity of up to 3,600 megawatts (MW) of electricity as well as battery storage of up to 200MW.

The exhibitions follow on from similar events held in November and are part of the statutory consultation process required ahead of submitting an application for a Development Consent Order.

Andy Koss, chief executive of Drax Power, said: “Holding public events to share our ideas with local people is a great way to hear their views.

“It’s really important to us that we support and work with our local communities – we want people who live and work in the area near the power station to play a part in shaping our thinking for the future. We look forward to sharing our ideas and hearing thoughts.

“The options we’re exploring could reuse some of the existing infrastructure from the remaining coal assets at Drax and extend their operation as gas plant into the 2030s. The Repower project could secure the future of the power station beyond 2025 when the government says coal must come off the system.”

Public exhibitions featuring Drax’s proposals are taking place at the following venues:

• Selby Town Hall on January 20 and February 1, from 10am to 4pm

• Drax Sports and Social Club on January 23, from 3pm to 8pm

• Junction, 2 Paradise Place, Goole on January 24, from 2pm to 7pm

• Hemingbrough Methodist Church Hall on February 2 from 9.30am to 1.30pm