DRAX Power Station is to go out to community rooms and town halls around the area to tell people about its plans for groundbreaking battery technology.

The power station gave notice to the Planning Inspectorate in September that it intended to consult on proposals for gas power and battery storage.

Now it is planning three public consultation events to give people in the area an opportunity to learn more about their intentions.

CEO Andy Koss said: “We have always supported and worked with our local communities and want to ensure they have a role in shaping our thinking for the future. Drax Power Station is a national asset and a significant driver of growth in the north of England.”

Its ongoing research and development project is looking at up to 3.6 gigawatts (GW) of new gas generation capacity and 200MW of battery storage, tying in with government plans to phase out coal by 2025.

Mr Koss added: “These options could repurpose up to two of our coal assets and extend their operation into the 2030s, securing the future of the plant beyond 2025 when the government says coal must come off the system.”

The information events will start at Selby Town Hall on Wednesday, November 8, from 4pm to 8pm.

Another event will be held on Thursday, November 9, from 11am to 4.30pm, at Drax Sports and Social Club; and a third will take place on Saturday, November 11 from 10.30am to 1.30pm at Junction arts centre, Paradise Place, Goole.

The project would also include a new gas pipeline connection and a temporary crane.

For more information about the project, the consultation and planning application will be published on a dedicated website at repower.drax.com