LOCAL jobs will be created after Drax Power awarded the contract for its biomass-related construction works to the York-based Shepherd Group.

Last month, Drax confirmed its plans to invest £50 million during 2012 in new biomass storage and handling facilities and other plant modifications to enable Drax’s existing co-firing facilities, which burn both biomass, such as willow and straw, and coal, to produce up to 20 per cent of the power station’s output from biomass.

Mark Perkins, chief executive of Shepherd’s Built Environment Division said the project will generate wider opportunities for local people in terms of employment and skills training. He added: “We will be maximising opportunities for local businesses, working closely with our supply chain partners throughout the build.”

He said: “We are delighted to be working with Drax. Shepherd Group’s designers have worked closely with the Drax team to develop integrated technical solutions that will create world leading biomass facilities and support Drax’s intention to become a lower carbon generator.

The group said it was too soon to tell how many jobs would be created.

Dorothy Thompson, chief executive of Drax, said: “We are pleased to announce the contract with Shepherd which marks the next step in our biomass journey. Delivering reliable, low carbon power in the most cost effective way is a win-win-win, it’s good for security of supply, good for the environment and reduces the cost burden on consumers’ energy bills.

“Drax is ready to transform itself into a predominantly biomass fuelled generator, but to do so we need appropriate regulatory support, and to that end we look forward to the timely conclusion of the Government’s current review of the future support levels for renewable technologies.”