Biomass

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Connecting ports to power stations

DB Cargo UK plays an essential role in the UK’s renewable energy supply chain, transporting biomass fuels such as wood pellets from key ports to inland power stations.

We work in partnership with customers like Drax Power Station delivering reliable, high-capacity rail haulage that keeps fuel flowing to one of the UK’s largest renewable energy generators.

With access to rail-connected ports including Immingham, Liverpool, Hull and Tyne, and services such as depot management, wagon stabling and material handling, DB Cargo UK provides an integrated logistics solution tailored for the biomass sector.

Why rail is key to the UK’s biomass supply chain

Reliable biomass transport is essential to keeping the UK’s renewable power stations supplied with the fuel they need. Biomass logistics brings unique challenges: handling very high volumes, maintaining fuel quality (biomass must stay dry), limited freight paths on a busy rail network, and the need to align with net zero targets.


DB Cargo UK helps customers overcome these challenges by providing:


1. Trains of up to 26 wagons carry biomass pellets, ensuring a secure supply to power stations

2. Specialist wagons keep wood pellets dry and intact, preserving fuel quality

3. Direct rail flows operate from Immingham, Hull, Tyne and Liverpool to power stations. Other options can be designed to tailor our service  to customers requirement.

4. Unlike wind or solar, biomass supply is not intermittent; DB Cargo ensures consistent 24/7 deliveries

Managing every step of the biomass supply chain

DB Cargo UK provides a fully integrated service for biomass supply chains, managing every stage of the journey — from port reception and secure stockpiling to efficient rail transport and power station delivery. Our end-to-end approach includes wagon stabling and maintenance to ensure reliability, safety, and performance across every operation.


In addition to rail haulage, we provide depot management, material handling, wagon maintenance and property solutions to support the development of new flows and facilities.  


We work in partnership with our customers to keep supply chains moving — whether that means running additional trains at short notice, investing in extra wagons to handle peak demand, or adapting routes for new flows. This flexibility has made DB Cargo UK a trusted partner for large-scale renewable energy projects.

DB Cargo’s biomass rail solution for Drax

DB Cargo UK has been a long-standing logistics partner for Drax, the UK’s largest renewable power station. In 2024, following successful trials, DB Cargo UK launched the UK’s first 100% HVO-powered biomass trains in partnership with Drax. This innovation delivered:

  • Over 2,600 trains annually operating on renewable fuel.
  • More than 6,500 tonnes of CO₂ saved in the first year.
  • Contract renewed in 2025 to expand services further.

With Drax’s ambition to become carbon negative by 2030, DB Cargo UK continues to innovate and invest to support their sustainability journey.

DB Cargo’s biomass rail solution for Drax

DB Cargo UK has been a long-standing logistics partner for Drax, the UK’s largest renewable power station. In 2024, following successful trials, DB Cargo UK launched the UK’s first 100% HVO-powered biomass trains in partnership with Drax. This innovation delivered:

  • Over 2,600 trains annually operating on renewable fuel.
  • More than 6,500 tonnes of CO₂ saved in the first year.
  • Contract renewed in 2025 to expand services further.

With Drax’s ambition to become carbon negative by 2030, DB Cargo UK continues to innovate and invest to support their sustainability journey.

Get in touch with our expert.

Sales Team

Telephone +44 (0) 1302 575000

E-Mail sales@deutschebahn.com