The largest steam turbine modernisation programme in UK history is moving rapidly towards completion at Drax Power Station, Selby, as the final Siemens built turbine rotor blade components were delivered to site this week.

The £100 million contract to replace the low pressure and high pressure turbines on all six units at the power station was signed in 2007 between Drax Power Limited (”Drax”) and Siemens AG (”Siemens”). It set in motion the manufacturing of 28 separate turbine rotors weighing over 2,800 tonnes and over 80,000 individualised turbine blades, which, laid end-to-end would stretch the distance of a marathon. The contract also secured the establishment of a global supply chain and a six year installation initiative, as well as forging a unique, industry-leading relationship between the two companies. Together this complex undertaking will help Drax Power Station increase its overall efficiency to almost 40%, reinforcing its position as the most efficient coal-fired power station in the UK.

The international project has seen commitment, cooperation and hard work from Drax, Siemens in Newcastle and in Muelheim an der Ruhr, Germany. The combined team effort over the past four years has enabled the project to move forward smoothly to final delivery this year. On completion, the project will enable Drax to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide (”CO2”) by one million tonnes a year, equivalent to taking 275,000 cars off the road.

Peter Emery, production director at Drax said: “The relationship we have with Siemens has gone from strength to strength. Together we are working towards one goal and we are proud to have achieved so much together.

“Through increasing the overall efficiency of the electricity generation process, the new turbines make a meaningful reduction in our carbon footprint. This, along with the fantastic working relationship we have built with Siemens, is definitely something to celebrate.”

Darren Davidson, head of projects at Siemens Energy Service in Newcastle, said: “Drax was keen to take a long-term view of operations with the integrity of the turbines in mind, as well as improving the efficiency of the power station and reducing carbon emissions. We met Drax’ requirements in each of these areas and worked closely together as a team from start to finish. We were able to bring to light issues relating to the sustainability of the plant, and then suggest ways in which this could be achieved from design through to installation, and beyond.”

Jürgen Bahr, the lead for the Drax project at Siemens Muelheim since November 2009, said: “Over the last two years, each unit has been delivered successfully and on schedule. The whole team has demonstrated excellence throughout the project. We have to thank the team at Drax and our colleagues in Newcastle for their cooperative approach.”

For more information, please contact:

Melanie Wedgbury/Rachael Hudson
Drax Power 01757 618381

Richard Harrison / Sam Addie
Imagen PR 01943 468778

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Notes to Editors
1. Drax Power Limited is the owner of Drax Power Station, the largest, cleanest and most efficient coal fired power station in the UK. The output capacity from the station’s six generators is 4,000MW. At current output levels it supplies some 7% of the UK’s electricity needs.

2. Steam turbine retrofit timetable:
2007 Unit 3 HP module installed
2008 Unit 5 and 1 LP and HP modules installed
2009 Unit 6 LP and HP modules installed
2010 Unit 4 LP and HP modules installed
2011 Unit 2 LP and HP modules installed
2012 Unit 3 LP module will be installed

Left to Right: Peter Emery, Production Director, Drax, Herr Schmoll, Head of Site Management, Siemens Muelheim , Paul Connelly, Project Engineer, Siemens Newcastle and Jurgen Bahr, Project Manager, Siemens Muelheim.