Drax has launched a partnership with NGIS, a geospatial technology company, to model and monitor carbon stocks in US and Canadian forests that supply biomass pellets to the UK’s largest renewable power station, which generated over 5% of the country’s electricity using North American biomass in 2024, according to Drax.
The collaboration supports Drax’s target to provide verified carbon stock data for all major sourcing regions by the end of 2026. Through NGIS’s satellite-based geospatial tools, the project will track forest regrowth, tree cover, and other indicators of forest health using Earth Observation data enhanced by Google AI and machine-learning tools.
A digital platform will present Drax with historical and current imagery of sourcing sites, enabling visual verification of harvesting and reforestation cycles. Drax is already applying the data in its supply chain engagement to tailor forest health initiatives and assess impacts from floods, wildfires, diseases, and other disturbances.
The monitoring initiative aligns with Drax’s broader Sustainability Framework, which includes commitments to prevent deforestation, degradation, and conversion in biomass sourcing. The company converts residual wood—such as bark, branches, sawdust, chips, and defective logs—into pellets after high-grade lumber is removed for use in construction and furniture.
NGIS Executive Director Nathan Eaton stated the project demonstrates how advanced geospatial technology can support Drax’s energy and sustainability goals.
