ESG, the UK’s leading provider of testing, inspection and compliance services, is pleased to announce that it has achieved flexible scope UKAS accreditation No.0001 for its on-site laboratory at Drax power station near Selby, North Yorkshire.
Drax power station is the largest power plant in the UK and has historically been fuelled by coal. Over the last four years it has been transforming itself into a predominantly biomass-fuelled electricity generator with three of its six units now producing energy from biomass.
ESG provides consultancy and a wide range of fuel testing services to Drax’s road, rail and ship consignments in addition to operating an on-site sample preparation laboratory. The supply of consistently high-quality fuel is vital to ensure the long-term viability of the conversion from coal to biomass; therefore ESG measures the quality of all purchased fuels to ensure they meet specification.
The state-of-the-art on-site Drax laboratory allows ESG to check and process biomass and coal samples on a rapid turnaround basis. The UKAS accreditation was formally confirmed after a UKAS audit on 7 and 8 April and includes sample preparation as well as the physical analysis of biofuel and coal such as sizing and bulk density. The new flexible scope is an extension to ESG’s UKAS accredited testing laboratory No.0001 situated in Bretby, Burton Upon Trent.
Jim Clay, operations director, Energy Services, ESG said:
“Gaining UKAS accreditation for our on-site laboratory demonstrates ESG’s commitment to supporting Drax in its goal to reduce carbon emissions. This award allows our team to provide quick, accredited results to help guide real-time operational decision making.
“The site team is committed to providing robust and reliable analytical data, undergoing significant training to ensure it is working to the highest quality standards.”