Drax is expecting to save 20 million tonnes of carbon emissions by July after replacing coal with biomass.

The UK’s largest power station in Yorkshire started burning sustainable biomass in two of its generating units 10 years ago, it stated.

Drax provides 7% to 8% of the UK’s electricity needs.

The company estimates 50 million tonnes of carbon could be saved in two and a half years.

It also expects reduce its annual carbon emissions by around 12 million tonnes a year – equivalent to 3.3 million cars..

Dorothy Thompson, Chief Executive of Drax Group said: “This latest milestone data underscores the low carbon credentials of sustainable biomass. In a relatively short period of time Drax has delivered major carbon savings while continuing to provide reliable, secure and good value renewable power.

“This data also gives an indication of the scale of the contribution sustainable biomass will make to meeting the UK’s carbon reduction targets.”