Drax Group has partnered with geospatial technology firm NGIS to monitor carbon stocks across forests in the United States and Canada that supply biomass to the UK’s largest renewable power station.
“This partnership demonstrates how advanced geospatial technology can support Drax’s energy and sustainability goals, providing the data needed to make informed decisions and build trust in biomass as a renewable resource,” according to Nathan Eaton, Executive Director at NGIS.
Wood Central understands that the initiative uses satellite-based Earth Observation tools powered by Google AI and machine learning to track forest regrowth, canopy cover, and ecological disturbances such as wildfires and disease outbreaks. A digital platform developed by NGIS will deliver historical and real-time imagery of sourcing sites, enabling visual verification of harvesting and reforestation cycles.
Drax, which generated more than 5% of the UK’s electricity in 2024 using North American biomass, is already applying the data to engage suppliers and tailor forest health initiatives. The company aims to provide verified carbon stock data for all major sourcing regions by the end of 2026.
The monitoring program also forms part of Drax’s broader Sustainability Framework, which includes commitments to prevent deforestation, degradation, and land conversion in biomass supply chains. Drax sources residual wood—such as bark, branches, sawdust, and defective logs—after high-grade timber is removed for construction and furniture.
Drax Chief Sustainability Officer Miguel Veiga-Pestana said the collaboration will help “increase global confidence in biomass as a sustainable resource” and strengthen engagement with suppliers.
- To learn more about the Drax operation and how the energy giant is using surplus Southern Yellow Pine to supply energy to data centres, click here for Wood Central’s special feature.
