Archives: Press Release

Drax agrees 20-year deal with power minerals for state-of-the-art green cement factory

27 March 2025

News

Drax has today announced a 20-year joint venture agreement with Power Minerals Limited (PML) to allow for the development of a state-of-the-art factory to process millions of tonnes of legacy ash into Supplementary Cementitious Material (SCM), which is a key ingredient in low carbon green cement.

The new facility will be located next to the Drax Power Station site on land leased from Drax. Following its conversion to using biomass, the plant is now the single largest generator of renewable electricity in the UK. The power station can provide reliable renewable electricity to around 5 million homes – equivalent to every home in London, or Wales and Scotland combined.

Under the agreement PML will construct, own and operate the new facility, whilst Drax will sell its legacy Pulverised Fuel Ash (PFA) to the joint venture as well as provide power to the site, in addition to sharing the profits of the joint venture’s sales of SCM. Drax believes the project could generate incremental adjusted EBITDA of around £5 million each year post-2027 through to 2046.

Production is expected to begin by the end of 2026, with the factory having an expected initial annual production capacity of 400,000 tonnes.

The production of cement contributes around 8% of global CO2 emissions annually. Over the duration of the project, PML estimates the utilisation of PFA from Drax can reduce emissions of CO2 by a minimum of 6 million tonnes, compared to utilising conventional cements.

Lee Dawes, Drax’s Chief Operations Officer, said: “This is a landmark deal not only for Drax, but for the UK construction industry. Cement production is one of the most carbon intensive processes in the world and through this partnership, we will be able to help the construction industry cut its carbon emissions in the years ahead.

“Drax Power Station is integral to the country’s energy security and now through this new agreement it can play a further role in reducing carbon emissions in UK construction as well.

“The opportunity to sell large volumes of PFA from Drax Power Station as part of a long-term JV is another way in which we can realise incremental value from the site whilst helping to reduce carbon emissions. It is an exciting time for Drax as we continue to develop options for long-term investment in the site, including BECCS and a data centre.”

Nigel Waldron, PML’s Managing Director said: “We are proud to have pioneered the use of ashes from Drax for more than 20 years, and now we are delighted to be a part of this major investment, securing a long-term future for our business and our relationship with Drax for decades to come.”

Nils Jansen, Head of Cementitious Materials at PML’s parent company, EP Power Minerals GmbH, said: “This substantial investment and its projected returns represent a game-changer not only for PML, but for the entire EPPM Cementitious Materials business. This positions us to become the leading player in the UK fly ash market for the foreseeable future.”

Ash from the power station was historically deposited at the nearby Barlow Mound. The mound will be retained at its current height along the west and southwest of the site to continue to protect the views of local residents. The remainder of the mound is to be extracted down to surrounding ground levels and then restored. Restoration will focus on retaining existing vegetation where possible, using native plant species, creating wetlands, providing ‘like for like or better’ habitats for those that are lost and the creation of a pathway through the restored landscape for recreation.

ENDS 

 

Media contacts: 

Aidan Kerr 
E: aidan.kerr@drax.com
T: 07849090368 

Editor notes 

  • There is no capital investment required by Drax Power Ltd.
  • Drax Power Station is the UK’s largest source of 24/7 renewable power, supporting UK energy security with flexible and reliable renewable power generation and a wide range of system support services.
  • Drax believes that the size, flexibility and location of the asset make it an integral long-term part of the UK energy system. The station has 2.6GW of current biomass generation capacity, in addition to 1.3GW of additional grid connection.
  • As outlined at the Group’s full year results in February 2025, Drax is continuing to assess opportunities for value creation and growth from the site including BECCS and a 1.2GW data centre.

About PML

Power Minerals Ltd (PML) is the UK’s leading independent supplier of Power Station by-products, providing ash sales and marketing services for the power generation sector, and creating a robust and reliable supply chain of sustainable energy by-products to the construction, manufacturing and infrastructure sectors.

Every year PML diverts millions of tonnes of ash from landfill, while reducing the need for its clients to impact the countryside by mining for virgin aggregates. We are also retrieving long-forgotten ash from old stockpiles, and developing methods to enhance these sources, ensuring a sustainable supply chain for the future.

Drax Foundation awards £3.6m funding in 2024, benefiting nearly 100,000 people across the globe

26 March 2025

News
  • Key initiatives include donations to projects that enhance STEM education, improve access to green spaces, and implement energy efficiency measures in schools.
  • Donations projected to benefit 98,000 people in the regions where Drax operates
  • As part of this total, the foundation also donated £695,000 to grassroots organisations through our Community Fund

Drax Foundation, the charitable entity of renewable energy company Drax Group (Drax) awarded a total of £3.6m in funding throughout 2024, marking a significant increase in charitable giving to support communities, develop STEM skills and support the transition to a net-zero future.

Miguel Veiga Pestana, Chief Sustainability Officer at Drax said: “Building stronger communities in the areas where Drax operates is the driving force behind our social purpose and reinforces the people positive pillar of our new Sustainability Framework. Through our charitable giving, we’re empowering individuals with the skills and resources they need to thrive, whilst also making a tangible contribution to a sustainable future.”

The increased funding saw a 33% rise from 2023 levels and helped to reach over 25,000 young people with STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and nature based activities.

Read the Drax Foundation Annual Review here.

In 2024, the Drax Foundation’s funding:

  • Led to a wide range of impactful outcomes, including 13,606 children participating in STEM education; 7,4062 children and young adults taking part in nature-based education programs
  • Provided funding for 8,836 people with access to improved community green spaces
  • Gave financial and practical support to 2,800 UK households in ‘fuel poverty’ to help pay energy bills
  • Helped 262 schools to reduce their energy costs and consumption with energy-efficient LED lighting, solar panel installation and / or energy efficiency monitoring tools and advice
  • Funded 232 grassroots initiatives in the communities where Drax operates through the Drax Community Fund.

The total of £3.6m of charitable giving was distributed globally from the west coast of Canada to the deep south of the US and in to the heart of Yorkshire in the UK, with £2.91m awarded through the Drax Foundation, £695,000 via the Community Fund, and £11,5000 donated through the Drax Crisis Fund, providing emergency aid in response to natural disasters, conflict, and other humanitarian crises.

Of the total, £2.5m of funding was delivered in the UK, including:

Three grants of £100,000 to the Fuel Bank Foundation, National Energy Action and ALIenergy – charities working to prevent fuel poverty in the UK and support those who are affected by it.

“Funding from the Drax Foundation has helped us to increase both affordable warmth work and educational activities in Argyll and Bute. This work is much needed with energy prices still sky high and rural households in particular struggling with expensive forms of heating. The region is underserved in terms of facilities and this funding will help us with our goal of ensuring no individuals live in fuel poverty without access to affordable energy in Argyll and Bute.” said Lynda Mitchell, CEO of ALIenergy

Barwic Parade Community Primary School in Selby

The donations also saved three UK schools an estimated 2,512 tonnes of combined carbon emissions. Kirk Sandall Junior School in Yorkshire, Abington Vale Primary School in Northampton and Barwic Parade Community Primary School in Selby were all given funding for solar panel installations as part of a campaign to support UK schools and community-led organisations to become more energy efficient.

In the U.S, £690,000 of funding included:

We supported Boys and Girls Clubs of America in Mississippi to expand STEM programming in the regions where Drax operates. We also provided funding with the National Audubon Society, supporting their environmental education work in Louisiana, Mississippi and Arkansas.

National Audubon Society

Ouachita Green were awarded £11,500 from our Community Fund to continue their mission of preserving Ouachita Parish’s natural beauty, protecting the environment, preventing blight, leading litter abatement efforts, and providing environmental education.

“The partnership with Drax helps to keep our internship program alive,” said Sheila Kay Downhour, Executive Director of Ouachita Green. “Thanks to the support of Drax, we’re able to continue our clean-up efforts in the parish, but we’re also able to support our intern program. Those young people make all the difference in the work we’re doing to leave the world a little better than we found it, and Drax is a big part in keeping that good work going.”

In Canada, the Foundation provided £378,000 of funding, including:

£57,500 funding to Scientists in School, an organisation which aims to encourage children to connect scientific knowledge to their world and increase interest in careers in STEM subjects. The funding helped provide over 500 children with access to STEM learning in British Columbia and Alberta.

“Drax Foundation support has been a catalyst for our evolution as a national charity shaping the STEM skills and futures of over 350,000 youth annually. This funding has enhanced our ability to reach children and youth in rural and under-served communities in British Columbia and Alberta, with a lasting impact on increasing STEM interest and confidence, giving young scientists the opportunity to develop lifelong skills.” Said Cindy Adams, Executive Director, Scientists in School

Scientists in School

Donations from the fund have also been given to other essential organisations in Canada like the Smithers School Lunch Program, as well as youth programs, education and employment organisations, physical and mental health charities, community spaces and organisations that strengthen the communities where Drax operates.

Through its commitment to supporting local communities and advancing sustainability, Drax is helping to create a more resilient and net-zero future for people around the world.

Read the Drax Foundation Annual Review here.

ENDS

Featured image caption: A project at Gulf Coast Center for Ecotourism & Sustainability.

Media contacts:

Kieran Wilson
E: kieran.wilson@drax.com 
T: 07729 092807

About Drax

Drax’s purpose is to enable a zero carbon, lower cost energy future. Our strategic aims are to be a global leader in both carbon removals and sustainable biomass pellet production, and to be a UK leader in dispatchable, renewable generation.

Our operations

Drax owns and operates a portfolio of flexible, low-carbon and renewable UK power assets – biomass, hydro, and pumped storage generation – which provide dispatchable power and system support services to the electricity grid.

We are the UK’s largest source of renewable power by output, and Drax Power Station is the UK’s largest single source of renewable electricity by output.

Through our pellet production facilities in North America, Drax is the world’s second largest producer of sustainable biomass. Drax has 18 operational and development pellet production sites which will have a nameplate capacity of around 5.4 million tonnes once expansions are complete.

Drax supplies renewable electricity to UK industrial and commercial customers, offering a range of energy-related services including energy optimisation, as well as electric vehicle strategy and management.

Our future

Drax is progressing options for carbon removals using bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) technology globally and at our UK biomass power station. We are progressing plans to develop 7 million tonnes of carbon removals through BECCS by 2030.

In 2024, we launched Elimini, a US-based company to lead our global efforts to deliver carbon removals at megaton scale. Elimini’s purpose is to remove carbon for good. To achieve this, it is convening engineers, environmentalists, communities, investors, and innovators to scale the market for carbon removals, with the aspiration of transforming our economies from carbon emitters to carbon removers. For more information, visit elimini.com.

Employment tribunal concluded

24 March 2025

News

A tribunal process which has been ongoing involving a former Drax employee since 13 March, has now concluded. The joint statement agreed by both parties reads:

“Ms Ahmar and Drax have agreed to resolve proceedings without further progress of the hearing. The parties have reached a mutually agreeable position, without admission of liability.

Ms Ahmar made protected disclosures. Those disclosures were the subject of independent investigations instigated by Drax as were other matters that Ms Ahmar raised about her employment.

The independent investigation into the disclosures has been shared with the regulator who reached a determination that is already public.

At the end of the investigation processes, Ms Ahmar’s employment was terminated. Drax accepts that the process took a considerable time and was in consequence very stressful for Ms Ahmar. Drax, like Ms Ahmar, regrets that the employment ended unhappily. All parties are pleased that they can now move on.”

Drax spokesperson statement

“We are pleased that proceedings have come to an end with no finding of liability.

Drax is committed to being a responsible employer that takes all concerns raised seriously. We have a thorough process to ensure that all colleagues are treated respectfully, and in line with the standards we expect of all parties.

Allegations concerning Drax’s biomass sourcing were dealt with exhaustively through independent investigations and by the regulator, that found no evidence Drax’s biomass is not sustainable or that Drax has been issued with Renewable Obligation Certificates (ROCs) incorrectly.”

UK urgently needs more energy storage to avoid wasting wind power – report

20 March 2025

News

The report, commissioned by Drax with academics at Imperial College London, showed that Britain reached an historic energy milestone in 2024, with wind power becoming the country’s largest source of electricity at 31%, surpassing fossil fuels for the first time in 140 years.

Despite that, 8.3 terawatt-hours (TWh), around 10% of wind generated power produced, had to be curtailed due to grid congestion, costing consumers nearly £400 million. This energy, enough to power over two million homes, was effectively lost because the grid lacked the capacity to transport or store it.

Graph: The rise of wind power and wind curtailment.

Rapidly scaling up storage capabilities such as long-duration energy storage (LDES) and battery energy storage systems (BESS), alongside better grid infrastructure, would mean that excess wind power produced when demand is low could be stored and released it when needed, preventing the grid from relying too heavily on gas during ‘dunkelflaute’ periods. However, without investment and further policy support for these solutions, Britain risks wasting vast amounts of clean energy, the report warns.

Since the birth of the electricity system in the 1880s, coal, gas or oil has dominated Britain’s power generation. Coal held the top spot until the 1980s, when gas took over, but 2024 marks the first year in which a clean energy source has led the way.

“The rapid continued growth of wind power generation should give us cause for optimism on the journey towards clean energy, but that growth presents its own very real and different challenges” says Dr Iain Staffell of Imperial College London, the lead author of the quarterly Drax Electric Insights report series.

“Last year we saw a 17% reduction in emissions compared to 2023, but with more wind comes more intermittency. This was evident across the back end of 2024 and early 2025, with three separate periods of cold, calm weather – known as ‘dunkelflaute’ – exposing Britian’s reliance on costly imported energy and drawing down the nation’s gas storage to ‘concerningly low’ levels.

“Investment in intermittent renewables such as wind and solar is helping us reduce fossil fuel levels in our power generation mix, but without large-scale energy storage and grid upgrades, we will continue wasting clean energy and paying the price for it, especially during long cold snaps and windless conditions.” explains Dr. Staffell.

“With upgraded energy storage and the transmission infrastructure to transport it, we can go some way to ensuring that wind and other forms renewable energy are not wasted, instead moving that power to where it is needed as well as storing it for those periods of dunkelflaute which necessitate dispatchable generation.”

The curtailment of wind energy – where turbines are shut down when there is no capacity to transport their power – is rising at an unsustainable rate according to the Q4 report. In just one year, curtailment doubled from 5.5% to over 10%, largely due to Scotland’s wind farms producing more energy than the grid can carry south to demand centres in England.

“The UK government has set ambitious targets for energy storage and grid reinforcement, but the pace of deployment must accelerate to match the rapid growth of renewable generation.” said Ian Kinnaird, FlexGen Assets Director at Drax.

“Policy incentives, streamlined planning processes, and investment in medium and long-duration storage technologies will all be critical in ensuring Britain fully capitalises on its renewable energy sources. These issues remain crucial to us at Drax, with our run-of-river hydro plants and pumped hydro storage power station at Cruachan ready to support the flexible generation we need to see, in order to transition to a low-cost, clean power grid by 2030.”

For more information and to access the full report, visit Drax Electric Insights here.

Media contacts:

Kieran Wilson
E: kieran.wilson@drax.com 
T: 07729092807

Notes to Editors

Case study

SeaGreen offshore wind farm, off of Scotland’s east coast, wasted an astonishing 70% of its output in 2024 because of grid congestion. The financial and environmental costs of such curtailment are mounting, underscoring the urgent need for solutions.

About Drax

Drax’s purpose is to enable a zero carbon, lower cost energy future. Our strategic aims are to be a global leader in both carbon removals and sustainable biomass pellet production, and to be a UK leader in dispatchable, renewable generation.

Our operations

Drax owns and operates a portfolio of flexible, low-carbon and renewable UK power assets – biomass, hydro, and pumped storage generation – which provide dispatchable power and system support services to the electricity grid.

We are the UK’s largest source of renewable power by output, and Drax Power Station is the UK’s largest single source of renewable electricity by output.

Through our pellet production facilities in North America, Drax is a leading integrated producer of sustainable biomass. Drax has 18 operational and development pellet production sites which will have a nameplate capacity of around 5.4 million tonnes once expansions are complete.

Drax supplies renewable electricity to UK industrial and commercial customers, offering a range of energy-related services including energy optimisation, as well as electric vehicle strategy and management.

Our future

Drax is progressing options for carbon removals using bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) technology globally and at our UK biomass power station. We are progressing plans to develop 7 million tonnes of carbon removals through BECCS by 2030.

In 2024, we launched Elimini, a US-based company to lead our global efforts to deliver carbon removals at scale. Elimini’s purpose is to remove carbon for good. To achieve this, it is convening engineers, environmentalists, communities, investors, and innovators to scale the market for carbon removals, with the aspiration of transforming our economies from carbon emitters to carbon removers. For more information, visit elimini.com.

Drax launches enhanced approach to global sustainability

24 February 2025

News
  • Comprehensive strategy includes introduction of a new sustainability framework
  • Created in collaboration with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders
  • Company also outlines ambition to reach net zero by the end of 2040 across Drax’s value chain

Renewable energy company Drax has announced an enhanced approach to deliver on its global sustainability targets and to enhance the way it manages its impact on the climate, nature and people.

As part of this approach, a new sustainability framework has been developed in consultation with a wide range of stakeholders, including representatives from the scientific community, academics, employees, investors and eNGOs (environmental non-government organisations).

The plan includes 26 specific, measurable  and time-bound targets which will govern the business’ approach, helping to further improve how it interacts with key issues such as emissions reduction, forestry, biodiversity, water efficiency and supporting local communities.

Central to this is Drax’s ambition to reach net zero across its value chain by the end of 2040, including steps aimed at decarbonising its supply chains to prioritise the low carbon delivery of biomass fibre to Drax Power Station and moving forward with renewable power sources for its pellet plants.

Key initiatives included in the new sustainability framework include:

  • Community giving focused on providing STEM education and green skills training for people in under-served communities in the regions where Drax operates.
  • Automating digital data gathering to improve sourcing governance and traceability in the company’s supply chain
  • Implement nature positive action plans for Drax’s sites and develop plans for Drax’s priority biomass sourcing areas to help nature thrive by the end of 2030.
  • Continue to develop and evaluate options to permanently remove carbon from the atmosphere via Drax and Elimini’s carbon removals projects.
  • Deliver biodiversity enhancements across all Drax sites and take action to support biodiversity and ecosystem resilience in Drax’s value chain by the end of 2030.
  • Working to represent the communities Drax operates in and prioritising health and safety for all Drax colleagues.

Miguel Veiga-Pestana, Drax Group Chief Sustainability Officer, said:

“Our new sustainability framework signals a significant change in the way Drax manages its impact on the environment, communities and nature. Throughout the process we have listened to and learned much from the wide variety of stakeholders who have helped us develop this plan, which will be key to helping to ensure Drax can provide renewable biomass power generation as sustainably and responsibly as possible for years to come.”

“This launch is not the end of the process, however, it is just the start. In the coming months and years, the climate crisis will become more acute. The need for action will become greater, and the role of carbon removals will become even more important. That means we will have to work even harder to aim to ensure our operations help reduce humanity’s impact on the planet.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors

A link to Drax’s Sustainability Framework can be found here.

Media contacts:

Kieran Wilson
E: kieran.wilson@drax.com 
T: 07729092807

About Drax

Drax’s purpose is to enable a zero carbon, lower cost energy future. Our strategic aims are to be a global leader in both carbon removals and sustainable biomass pellet production, and to be a UK leader in dispatchable, renewable generation.

Our operations

Drax owns and operates a portfolio of flexible, low-carbon and renewable UK power assets – biomass, hydro, and pumped storage generation – which provide dispatchable power and system support services to the electricity grid.

We are the UK’s largest source of renewable power by output, and Drax Power Station is the UK’s largest single source of renewable electricity by output.

Through our pellet production facilities in North America, Drax is a leading integrated producer of sustainable biomass. Drax has 18 operational and development pellet production sites which will have a nameplate capacity of around 5.4 million tonnes once expansions are complete.

Drax supplies renewable electricity to UK industrial and commercial customers, offering a range of energy-related services including energy optimisation, as well as electric vehicle strategy and management.

Our future

Drax is progressing options for carbon removals using bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) technology globally and at our UK biomass power station. We are progressing plans to develop 7 million tonnes of carbon removals through BECCS by 2030.

In 2024, we launched Elimini, a US-based company to lead our global efforts to deliver carbon removals at scale. Elimini’s purpose is to remove carbon for good. To achieve this, it is convening engineers, environmentalists, communities, investors, and innovators to scale the market for carbon removals, with the aspiration of transforming our economies from carbon emitters to carbon removers. For more information, visit elimini.com.

Drax and Pathway Energy agree heads of terms on sustainable biomass deal to supply new US SAF plant

12 December 2024

News
  • Companies reach heads of terms for the supply and purchase of over 1 million tonnes of sustainable biomass pellets per annum for Pathway’s SAF project in Port Arthur, Texas
  • The plant will produce 30 million gallons of carbon negative jet fuel per year equivalent to more than 150 million gallons of carbon-neutral blended SAF
  • Agreement could also pave the way for Drax to become a strategic partner in the project and supply two additional Pathway SAF projects

UK-based renewable energy leader Drax Group (Drax), and Pathway Energy LLC (Pathway), a carbon negative energy company, have reached heads of terms on a multi-year deal that could see Drax supply over 1 million tonnes of sustainable biomass pellets each year to Pathway’s proposed sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) plant on the US Gulf Coast.

Under a separate agreement, Drax could also become a strategic partner in the project, with a potential investment in the form of a convertible loan note of up to $10 million. No investment decision has been taken by Drax at this stage.

The heads of terms reflect growing global demand for SAF, which usually can reduce carbon emissions by up to 80% when compared to traditional jet fuels. Modelling by the International Air Transport Association1, expects the global use of SAF to deliver 65% of the emissions reductions required for the aviation sector to reach net zero by 2050.

Once fully operational, the plant will be capable of producing 30 million gallons of carbon-negative SAF annually, the equivalent of enough fuel to power 5,000 carbon-neutral long-haul (10+ hour) flights per year.

Pathway will shortly begin Front End Engineering Design and anticipates that it will begin construction on the $2 billion plant in early 2026. Following construction, commercial SAF production is expected to commence in 2029.

Both companies also have a strategic interest in bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS), a carbon removal and renewable power technology. Pathway intends to develop a BECCS system on the Port Arthur site which could remove 1.9 million tonnes of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere each year while powering the SAF facility and ensuring the jet fuel is carbon negative.

In the future, Drax could also potentially supply biomass to two additional Pathway projects, delivering a further 2 million tonnes of sustainable pellets per year to the business’ sites through the 2030s.

Will Gardiner, Drax Group CEO, said:

“This landmark deal has the potential to be the biggest third-party supply arrangement Drax’s pellet business has made. Demand for sustainable biomass is accelerating, with international businesses seeking long-term fuel supplies for a range of projects globally – including sustainable aviation fuel and bioenergy with carbon capture and storage.

“Reaching heads of terms on this deal with Pathway is an important step in the energy transition and for decarbonising the aviation sector through sustainable aviation fuel production, which Drax is proud to be a part of. We also share Pathway’s aim of scaling bioenergy with carbon capture and storage to deliver the carbon removals that the world needs to fight climate change.”

Steve Roberts, CEO and Founder of Pathway Energy, said:

“This innovative agreement catalyzes our aligned commitment with Drax to decarbonize the aviation industry and establishes the strategic alignment with Drax to deploy additional projects leveraging proven biomass conversion technologies, sustainable biomass feedstock, and carbon capture and sequestration. With a global scale supply of CORSIA-compliant biomass material, we are well-poised to address one of the hardest to abate industrial sectors through the production of carbon-negative sustainable aviation fuels.”

ENDS

Media contacts:

Andy Low
E: andrew.low@drax.com
T: 07841 068415

Pathway Energy

Mission Control Communications for Pathway Energy
E: pathway@missionC2.com

Editor notes

1 Modelling referenced here: https://www.iata.org/en/iata-repository/pressroom/fact-sheets/fact-sheet—alternative-fuels/

About Drax

Drax’s purpose is to enable a zero carbon, lower cost energy future. Our strategic aims are to be a global leader in both carbon removals and sustainable biomass pellet production, and to be a UK leader in dispatchable, renewable generation.

Our operations

Drax owns and operates a portfolio of flexible, low-carbon and renewable UK power assets – biomass, hydro, and pumped storage generation – which provide dispatchable power and system support services to the electricity grid.

We are the UK’s largest source of renewable power by output, and Drax Power Station is the UK’s largest single source of renewable electricity by output.

Through our pellet production facilities in North America, Drax is the world’s largest integrated producer of sustainable biomass. Drax has 18 operational and development pellet production sites which will have a nameplate capacity of around 5.4 million tonnes once expansions are complete.

Drax supplies renewable electricity to UK industrial and commercial customers, offering a range of energy-related services including energy optimisation, as well as electric vehicle strategy and management.

Our future

Drax is progressing options for carbon removals using bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) technology globally and at our UK biomass power station.

In 2024, we launched Elimini, a US-based company to lead our global efforts to deliver carbon removals at megaton scale. Elimini’s purpose is to remove carbon for good. To achieve this, it is convening engineers, environmentalists, communities, investors, and innovators to scale the market for carbon removals, with the aspiration of transforming our economies from carbon emitters to carbon removers. For more information, visit elimini.com.

About Pathway Energy

Pathway Energy is a low carbon biomass to energy company that integrates sustainable carbon efficient conversion technologies, leveraging carbon sequestration, to produce sustainable aviation fuel. Our development platform combines a scalable carbon removal process pathway including BECCS, and Biomass with Carbon Removal and Storage to produce carbon-negative fuels. To learn more, visit https://pathwayenergy.com/.

Drax empowers the next generation with valuable carbon capture skills

4 December 2024

News

Renewable energy leader Drax is offering young people an exciting opportunity to develop the skills necessary to drive forward the carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies of the future, including its groundbreaking Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS) project at Drax Power Station.

In collaboration with Springpod, an award-winning careers exploration platform, Drax has launched its first-ever Project Sprint, which gives students aged 14-19 a virtual experience of working as a Process Engineer as part of its BECCS project. Alongside this, Drax is offering employees at Drax Power Station the chance to upskill their CCS knowledge through an in-depth bootcamp in partnership with Selby College.

The new initiatives are part of Drax’s ongoing efforts to equip young people with the expertise they need to succeed in a rapidly evolving energy industry and help tackle climate change through innovative carbon capture solutions.

The Project Sprint is an online learning simulation, developed by Drax’s Early Careers Development team and Capital Projects engineering experts. Students will step into the shoes of a Process Engineer at Drax Power Station, exploring the role’s involvement in the BECCS project at the power station. Through a series of engaging videos and a work booklet, students will learn about the process of capturing carbon emissions, identifying potential problems, and finding solutions to ensure safety and efficiency.

Springpod’s Project Sprint allows students to learn about CCS using interactive modules.

The interactive module will give students a valuable insight into the technical aspects of carbon capture technology, while developing problem-solving skills that will support their future careers. The project also aims to inspire students to pursue careers in engineering, particularly in projects such as BECCS, which will play a pivotal role in helping the UK meet its net-zero targets.

Bruce Heppenstall, Plant Director at Drax Power Station said: “Drax’s commitment to developing the next generation of engineers is integral to our strategy for a sustainable future and both Project Springpod and our CCS Skills Bootcamp will give young people the pathway to play a part in this future.

Selby College student Max Apedaile participating in the BECCS Project Sprint.

“BECCS will bring thousands of highly skilled, well-paid jobs to the local region and it is imperative that we equip young people with the skills to design and implement not only BECCS at Drax Power Station, but the CCS projects of the future, which will be critical in the fight against climate change.”“I really enjoyed taking part in the Process Engineer virtual work experience,” said Max Apedaile, a student from Selby College who participated in the programme. “It was interesting learning about the system Drax uses for carbon capture. This is going to be a huge part of the future of engineering, and it’s important for young people like me to get involved and understand how it works.”

Sam Hyams, co-founder and CEO of Springpod, said: “Carbon capture is emerging as one of the most promising technologies in dealing with climate change. It’s critical that the next generation of young people entering the industry are equipped with the right skills. Drax’s expertise in this area provides young people with unparalleled insight and gives them the chance to test their hard skills and learn from real-world feedback.”

Adrian Haigh, Engineering Lecturer at Selby College, emphasised the value of this initiative: “The course was well put together and challenging, exactly what our students need to become competent engineers of the future. The collaboration between Drax and Selby College bridges the gap between industry needs and education, providing students with valuable insight into the technologies of today and tomorrow.”

In addition to the Project Sprint, the Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) Skills Bootcamp, provides in-depth training in BECCS technologies, empowering the workforce of tomorrow to be leaders in sustainable energy innovation. So far over 50 Drax engineers have completed the programme, designed to upskill them ahead of BECCS deployment.

Emily Cooper, Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) Co-ordinator at Drax, participated in the CCS Bootcamp and shared her experience: “It’s been incredibly useful to learn about the carbon capture process and how it can be scaled up for industrial use. I plan to bring this knowledge back to my team to ensure we can effectively support the BECCS projects as they move forward.”

Emily Cooper, Health, Safety, and Environment Co-ordinator at Drax, participating in the CCS Bootcamp.

Apprentice Technician, Centime Breach-Frank, added: “The CCS Bootcamp has opened up new opportunities for me in my career. I’ve gained a deeper understanding of the theory behind carbon capture and storage, and I hope to apply this knowledge in my apprenticeship as Drax advances its BECCS technology.”

Plans to deploy BECCS at Drax Power Station will require the upskilling and re-skilling of both the current and future workforce, with programmes such as the CCS skills bootcamp and Springpod’s Project Sprint proving crucial to support the 10,000 jobs BECCS will bring, and make the Yorkshire/Humber region a global centre for excellence in green skills.

Luke Varley, Head of Engineering at Drax with students from Selby College viewing a demonstration of the Springpod Project Sprint.

Drax’s collaboration with Springpod is just the beginning of these efforts to engage with and develop future talent. The company is also in the process of developing an eight-module virtual work experience programme, launching in 2025, which will be shared with over 400,000 students across the UK. This initiative will further empower young people to pursue careers in the growing sector of carbon capture and sustainable energy.

ENDS

Photo caption 1: Drax employees take part in the carbon capture and storage bootcamp at Selby College.

Media contacts:

Kieran Wilson
E: kieran.wilson@drax.com 
T: 07729092807

Editor notes 

  • Drax is set to be one of the first power stations in the world to convert to BECCS. When the building work for BECCS at Drax starts it will be one of country’s largest construction projects – a £2bn investment in this technology of the future, supporting thousands of high-quality and well-paid jobs, from chemical engineers to pipefitters.
  • BECCS at Drax will also require upskilling and re-skilling the workforce, helping facilitate the green skills of the future, essential for the energy transition.
  • Developing BECCS at Drax Power Station will deliver significant advantages for local communities and help revitalise the North of England and will support 10,000 jobs at its peak.
  • The first unit of BECCS at Drax Power Station will deliver 40% of the negative emissions which are required to reach net zero in the UK, according to the Climate Change Committee.

About Drax

Drax’s purpose is to enable a zero carbon, lower cost energy future. Our strategic aims are to be a global leader in both carbon removals and sustainable biomass pellet production, and to be a UK leader in dispatchable, renewable generation.

Our operations

Drax owns and operates a portfolio of flexible, low-carbon and renewable UK power assets – biomass, hydro, and pumped storage generation – which provide dispatchable power and system support services to the electricity grid.

We are the UK’s largest source of renewable power by output, and Drax Power Station is the UK’s largest single source of renewable electricity by output.

Through our pellet production facilities in North America, Drax is the world’s second largest producer of sustainable biomass. Drax has 18 operational and development pellet production sites which will have a nameplate capacity of around 5.4 million tonnes once expansions are complete.

Drax supplies renewable electricity to UK industrial and commercial customers, offering a range of energy-related services including energy optimisation, as well as electric vehicle strategy and management.

Our future

Drax is progressing options for carbon removals using bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) technology globally and at our UK biomass power station. We are progressing plans to develop 7 million tonnes of carbon removals through BECCS by 2030.

In 2024, we launched Elimini, a US-based company to lead our global efforts to deliver carbon removals at megaton scale. Elimini’s purpose is to remove carbon for good. To achieve this, it is convening engineers, environmentalists, communities, investors, and innovators to scale the market for carbon removals, with the aspiration of transforming our economies from carbon emitters to carbon removers. For more information, visit elimini.com.

Drax awards shine a light on young apprentice stars

29 November 2024

News

The ceremony, held near Selby in North Yorkshire, brought together apprentices from across the company’s UK operations to celebrate the outstanding contribution they have made to Drax.

Notable winners included 20-year-old Oliver Feeney, a Logistics Graduate Apprentice from Selby, who picked up the Graduate Apprentice of the Year award for his work at Drax Power Station.

Oliver was recognised for his outstanding dedication to developing his skills and behaviours and was commended by the judges for his excellent work ethic, positivity and willingness to learn.

On receiving his award, Oliver said: “I am very proud to have won the award and to see that all my work has being appreciated during the first year of my apprenticeship. I look forward to continuing my development in both the academic and professional aspects of my apprenticeship in the next couple of years.”

Other young apprentices from across Drax were also recognised at the event. PMO (project management office) apprentice Faith Roberts, 20, based at Drax’s Northampton office, was awarded Business Apprentice of the Year. Faith was commended for her bravery at taking on new challenges along with her desire to learn and was even earmarked as a strong future leader and a fantastic role model for other apprentices.

Faith said: “It has been lovely to hear all the positive feedback from my team and the wider group. Knowing that my work has had a positive impact on colleagues has been very nice.”

Ian Kinnaird, Drax’s FlexGen Assets Director, was one of the hosts at the awards nights, and he commended on the hard work and achievements of all Drax’s apprentices. “It’s incredibly rewarding to offer young people the chance to kick-start their careers through our apprenticeship programme at Drax,” he said. “Our apprentices bring with them a wealth of unique talents and fresh perspectives that enrich our work environment, and provide opportunities for all of us to learn and grow.

“I want to congratulate all the award winners and nominees, and they should take great pride in their accomplishments. We are excited to support their continued development and look forward to seeing how their careers evolve here at Drax.”

This year’s winners were:

  • Nathan Harbinson – The Paul Chambers Outstanding Achievement Award
  • Oliver Feeney – Graduate Apprentice of the Year
  • Faith Roberts – Business Apprentice of the Year
  • Owen Moran – Craft Apprentice of the Year 1
  • Martin Meechan – Craft Apprentice of the Year 2
  • Nathan Harbinson – Craft Apprentice of the Year 4
  • Mason Thomas – Technical Apprentice of the Year 1
  • Ryan Stocks – Technical Apprentice of the Year 2
  • Dylan Hall-Parkes – Technical Apprentice of the Year 3
  • Nathan Taylor – Technical Apprentice of the Year 4

Craft and technical apprenticeship programmes at Drax span four years and offer new recruits an opportunity to work alongside highly qualified engineers, gaining skills in three key engineering disciplines: Mechanical, Electrical, and Control & Instrumentation. Drax also offers apprenticeship opportunities to areas in business support such as HR, cyber security, IT, facilities, and network security.

With plans for deploying bioenergy with carbon capture (BECCS) at Drax Power Station along with the expansion of its new pumped storage hydro site at Cruachan in Scotland, opportunities for apprentices at Drax continue to grow, giving the next generation of engineers the tools to succeed.

ENDS

Media contacts:

Kieran Wilson
E: kieran.wilson@drax.com 
T: 07729092807

About Drax

Drax’s purpose is to enable a zero carbon, lower cost energy future. Our strategic aims are to be a global leader in both carbon removals and sustainable biomass pellet production, and to be a UK leader in dispatchable, renewable generation.

Our operations

Drax owns and operates a portfolio of flexible, low-carbon and renewable UK power assets – biomass, hydro, and pumped storage generation – which provide dispatchable power and system support services to the electricity grid.

We are the UK’s largest source of renewable power by output, and Drax Power Station is the UK’s largest single source of renewable electricity by output.

Through our pellet production facilities in North America, Drax is the world’s second largest producer of sustainable biomass. Drax has 18 operational and development pellet production sites which will have a nameplate capacity of around 5.4 million tonnes once expansions are complete.

Drax supplies renewable electricity to UK industrial and commercial customers, offering a range of energy-related services including energy optimisation, as well as electric vehicle strategy and management.

Our future

Drax is progressing options for carbon removals using bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) technology globally and at our UK biomass power station. We are progressing plans to develop 7 million tonnes of carbon removals through BECCS by 2030.

In 2024, we launched Elimini, a US-based company to lead our global efforts to deliver carbon removals at megaton scale. Elimini’s purpose is to remove carbon for good. To achieve this, it is convening engineers, environmentalists, communities, investors, and innovators to scale the market for carbon removals, with the aspiration of transforming our economies from carbon emitters to carbon removers. For more information, visit elimini.com.

Fossil fuel power generation hits record lows as UK says farewell to old king coal

28 November 2024

News

The record low was followed by the symbolic end to coal-fired power generation in Britain with the closure of Ratcliffe-on-Soar power station, making the UK the first major economy to phase out coal power completely.

Despite the UK leading the way in decarbonisation among the G7, the report shows that significant challenges remain in decarbonising the power sector, including the needs to phase out natural gas, invest in grid infrastructure, and address rising balancing costs.

The findings have been released in the latest instalment of the quarterly Drax Electric Insights report. The publication is an independent report by academics from Imperial College London commissioned by Drax through Imperial Consultants.

In order for the country to achieve the goal of a net-zero power grid by 2030, Britain will need to reduce its share of gas from around 25% to 5% in just six years. This is in line with the pace of reduction for gas power generation seen since 2010, which was achieved in just three years for coal.

Share of Britain’s electricity demand from fossil fuels, with the trajectory from 2024 to 2030 needed to meet the Government’s expected definition of clean power.

“Phasing out natural gas at speed will be much more difficult than coal” explained Dr Iain Staffell of Imperial College London, the lead author of the quarterly Drax Electric Insights report series.

“Gas offers the grid a flexible supply that is difficult to replace, and one that is essential to energy security right now. If we continue to reduce our dependence on gas by prioritising wind and solar, they will need support from other technologies like long-duration energy storage (LDES) and dispatchable thermal power, and government will need a bold approach to rapidly upgrade our transmission grid.”

He added: “The cost of decarbonisation will increase as we approach 100% clean power. Add to that the expected 50% growth in electricity demand by 2035, and it’s clear to see we face major challenges in providing sufficient capacity and greater flexibility. The UK is leading the world on this, and must continue to lead by example and forge ahead as it has over the last decade, with effective decision making to enable a clear long-term vision.”

Bruce Heppenstall, Plant Director at Drax said: “The end of coal was a poignant moment for the UK energy sector. It puts into perspective just how far we have come since the Climate Change Act was passed in 2008 and Drax has its own unique story as part of the shift away from coal, transitioning from coal power generation to become Europe’s largest decarbonisation project using sustainable biomass to produce electricity. It is imperative that we do not rest on our laurels and invest in flexible renewable power from a variety of sources.”

“Drax stands ready to implement its plans for BECCS at Drax Power Station, which could remove 4 million tonnes of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere by 2030 whilst delivering reliable renewable power, and we are moving forward the expansion of our pumped hydro storage power station at Cruachan, providing the grid with additional storage capacity, which is essential if Britain is to achieve clean power by 2030.”

Alongside the need to phase out fossil fuel from power generation, the Q3 report also highlights the growing strain on Britain’s transmission network, particularly the bottleneck between Scotland and England, as renewable energy production ramps up.

Projects like the Eastern Green Link 2 (EGL2), a 505-kilometre interconnector designed to transport renewable electricity from Scotland to England are cited as key infrastructure investments that will help to reduce the curtailment of wind energy and ensure that more clean power is used across the country.

The sector must also contend with rising balancing costs, with balancing the grid becoming more complex alongside the rapid growth of renewables. They are now five times higher than their 2010s average.

For more information or to access the full report, visit Drax Electric Insights.

ENDS

Media contacts:

Kieran Wilson
E: kieran.wilson@drax.com 
T: 07729092807

About Drax

Drax’s purpose is to enable a zero carbon, lower cost energy future. Our strategic aims are to be a global leader in both carbon removals and sustainable biomass pellet production, and to be a UK leader in dispatchable, renewable generation.

Our operations

Drax owns and operates a portfolio of flexible, low-carbon and renewable UK power assets – biomass, hydro, and pumped storage generation – which provide dispatchable power and system support services to the electricity grid.

We are the UK’s largest source of renewable power by output, and Drax Power Station is the UK’s largest single source of renewable electricity by output.

Through our pellet production facilities in North America, Drax is the world’s second largest producer of sustainable biomass. Drax has 18 operational and development pellet production sites which will have a nameplate capacity of around 5.4 million tonnes once expansions are complete.

Drax supplies renewable electricity to UK industrial and commercial customers, offering a range of energy-related services including energy optimisation, as well as electric vehicle strategy and management.

Our future

Drax is progressing options for carbon removals using bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) technology globally and at our UK biomass power station. We are progressing plans to develop 7 million tonnes of carbon removals through BECCS by 2030.

In 2024, we launched Elimini, a US-based company to lead our global efforts to deliver carbon removals at megaton scale. Elimini’s purpose is to remove carbon for good. To achieve this, it is convening engineers, environmentalists, communities, investors, and innovators to scale the market for carbon removals, with the aspiration of transforming our economies from carbon emitters to carbon removers. For more information, visit elimini.com.