• The agreement reinforces the UK's net zero ambitions and helps GBRf reduce emissions in its rail freight operations.
• HVO is a sustainable alternative to traditional diesel.

GB Railfreight (GBRf), a frontrunner in rail freight services in the UK, has signed a deal with Drax, a renewable energy company engaged in renewable power generation, its services exclusively on Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) for Drax.

GBRf will use HVO throughout 2025 instead of diesel to power its trains transporting biomass for Drax. The biomass will be transported from the Ports of Liverpool and Tyne to Drax Power Station in Selby, Yorkshire, which supplies approximately 4% of the UK's total electricity as well as about 8% of the country's renewable energy.

What does HVO mean?

It is a form of renewable fuel, also known as green diesel, made from vegetable oils or animal fats through a refining process. It is a sustainable alternative to fossil diesel, emitting less carbon dioxide (CO₂) and nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) and helping in decarbonisation efforts of rail transportation.

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The companies have been working together for more than 12 years now and GBRf has transported over 15 million tonnes of biomass to Drax Power Station since 2016, which helps power around 4 million businesses and homes.

John Smith OBE, Chief Executive Officer at GB Railfreight, said: “We’ve had a strong relationship with Drax for over twelve years and I’m delighted that, together, we’ve agreed to use HVO to deliver our services. This is one of many initiatives within GB Railfreight’s carbon reduction plan that will support the UK Government achieve its ambitions to make the UK a clean energy superpower.”

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Mark Gibbens, Head of Logistics at Drax, added: “This agreement marks an important step in our commitment to sustainability and innovation in transport. By exclusively using HVO for rail services, we are reducing our supply chain emissions and supporting the transition to cleaner, more sustainable energy solutions. We are proud to continue our long-standing partnership with GB Railfreight, helping drive both energy security and the UK’s decarbonisation goals forward.”

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Source: GB Railfreight