Archives: Press Release

New coding club to encourage the next generation of women in STEM

7 November 2024

News

Launched by the Drax Community and Education team at Drax Power Station near Selby in North Yorkshire, the club aims to promote STEM education among young girls – a key part of Drax’s long-term community engagement strategy.

Currently, only 29% of STEM professionals in the UK are women. Research from the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) shows the primary reason for gender disparity in the STEM workforce is that women are not encouraged to think about STEM careers in school.[1]

The students at the club will work on a number of tasks to encourage problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration, including a project to build a replica of Sparky, a Condition Based Maintenance ‘robodog’ from Boston Dynamics, used to autonomously inspect equipment at Drax Power Station. Students will be given the opportunity to do this with a Lego SPIKE set, which combines colourful Lego building blocks, easy-to-use hardware and an intuitive drag-and-drop coding language.

Alongside these collaborative projects, students will be given examples of the real-life applications of the software they develop with the associated careers and roles available at Drax Power Station.

Jane Breach, UK Community & Education Manager said: “We are delighted to launch our brand-new coding club for girls at Selby Community Primary School. The club will provide a supportive and engaging place for girls to develop their coding skills and help to foster an environment where young girls can develop a passion for STEM subjects, which will be vital in encouraging more women into STEM careers.”

Anna Minihan, A teacher at Selby Community Primary School said: “The Lego Spike Coding Club that we ran for girls in Y5 and 6 was a fantastic experience. The kit itself is amazing – the girls loved being able to choose which Lego robot they would build and enjoyed following the instructions on-screen to construct them. Once they completed the builds, they were able to use the laptops to write their own code to program them to do all sorts of things. This really stretched their problem-solving skills and allowed them to apply some skills that they already had in coding.

“We feel so fortunate to have the opportunity to use this kit in our school and I’m so looking forward to the next sessions.”

ENDS

Media contacts:

Kieran Wilson
E: [email protected] 
T: 07729092807

Editor notes

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.

[1] Over one million women now in STEM occupations but still account for 29% of STEM workforce

Fang-tastic! – fun and frights for local families at Drax Power Station’s Halloween celebrations

6 November 2024

News

With an emphasis on fun and STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) learning, the event featured a variety of spooky science experiments and creative crafts.

Young visitors eagerly participated in hands-on activities, including a water resistance game that challenged them to help the Incy Wincy Spider navigate down a drainpipe of varying angles. The excitement continued with a chemical reaction experiment, where children delighted in the fizzy spectacle of using vinegar and bicarbonate of soda to inflate pumpkin themed balloons.

A Halloween-themed woodland trail also added an adventurous twist, encouraging children to explore the nature reserve while tackling a fun quiz that tested their Halloween knowledge.

In addition to the scientific fun, the event included craft stations where children created spiral ghosts and Halloween paper chains, allowing their creativity to shine

Jane Breach, UK Community & Education Manager said: “These Halloween events highlight Drax Power Station’s commitment to engaging the community and promoting STEM education for families in the areas in which we operate. Children left the Skylark Centre with lasting memories and newfound knowledge, all whilst celebrating the spirit of Halloween in a safe and festive environment.”

Established by Drax in the early 1970s, Skylark Centre and Nature Reserve now houses a variety of wildlife and serves as an important educational resource for schools, colleges, and local nature organisations.

For information on future events at Drax and the Skylark Nature Reserve, visit Facebook or the Drax website.

ENDS

Media contacts:

Kieran Wilson
E: [email protected] 
T: 07729092807

Editor notes

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 Group CEO, Will Gardiner, welcomes National Energy System Operator’s (NESO) ‘Clean Power 2030’ report

5 November 2024

Opinion

Commenting on the National Energy System Operator’s (NESO) report Clean Power 2030 Will Gardiner, Drax Group CEO, said:

“NESO couldn’t be any clearer, our power stations and plans to invest billions in renewable flexible electricity and carbon removals have a critical role to play in delivering the Government’s clean power target and wider climate goals. Drax Power Station’s secure biomass generation, and our intention to double the capacity of our pumped hydro site, Cruachan Power Station, are essential components of the pathways that NESO have set out.

“NESO says the deployment of bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) is required to meet the Government’s carbon removal targets. We aim to install at least two units of BECCS at Drax Power Station, with the first operational in 2030 removing 4 million tonnes of carbon from the atmosphere per year.

“Our long-term projects in Yorkshire and Scotland will support British energy security, ensuring that millions of homes have power when they need it, not just when the wind is blowing and the sun is shining. And our plans will create thousands of high-quality jobs and support the UK Government to turbo-charge economic growth.

“NESO recognises a rapid decision on a transitional support mechanism for biomass generators post-2027 is required, and we also hope to see the cluster sequencing process accelerated to underpin our BECCS plans and the speedy implementation of the proposed cap and floor regime for Cruachan in the coming months.

“NESO state that the Government’s goals are achievable with faster decision making and greater ambition and we look forward to playing our part in helping them successfully meet their targets.”

Background information:

 NESO report:

  • The NESO report recognises international carbon accounting rules and classifies biomass generation as a source of renewable, low carbon power.
  • The report also notes that both BECCS and biomass are important parts of Britain’s energy security and that biomass is “the only low carbon dispatchable power currently operational at scale” in the country.

Drax Power Station’s role in delivering energy security:

  • Drax Power Station is the UK’s single largest source of renewable power, providing 2.6GW of dispatchable secure generation.
  • In 2023, it provided 4% of the UK’s electricity and 8% of its renewable power.
  • The Selby site provides enough secure power for 4 million homes, and is not dependent on the wind blowing or the sun shining to generate.
  • The science underpinning the carbon accounting for biomass generation is established and supported by leading international experts including the UN’s IPCC.
  • With an increase in intermittent renewable generation forecast in the coming years and around 7 GW of nuclear and coal capacity expected to close between 2024 and 2030, along with growing uncertainty around new nuclear development timelines, Drax Power Station will have a significant ongoing role to play in UK energy security.
  • Research by Public First finds that in 2028 a perfect storm of an increase in demand, the retirement of existing assets and delays to the delivery of Hinkley Point C will culminate in demand for power exceeding secure dispatchable and baseload capacity by 7.5GW at peak times.

BECCS:

  • Drax plans to invest billions in transforming Drax Power Station into the world’s largest engineered carbon removals plant by installing two units of BECCS at the site and creating up to 10,000 jobs at the peak of construction.
  • To achieve climate targets, including climate budgets and net zero, the UK requires the deployment of large-scale Power BECCS.
  • The UN’s IPCC and the UK’s independent advisory panel, the Climate Change Committee and Forum for the Future have all said that carbon removals from BECCS will be needed to address the climate crisis.
  • BECCS is the only technology that can deliver reliable, secure and renewable power while permanently removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
  • Analysis by the consultancy Baringa shows that BECCS at Drax Power Station could save the UK up to £15bn between 2030 and 2050, when compared to other more complex carbon reduction measures.
  • NESO’s FES report reaffirmed the UK’s need for BECCS to reach net zero, saying there was no scenario under which BECCS was not required. And the Climate Change Committee said the business models for BECCS need to be finalised quickly to meet the government’s ambitious carbon removal goals.
  • Drax believes the 5 million tonnes of greenhouse gas removals target by 2030 is impossible to meet without BECCS at Drax. This would also make the fifth carbon budget unachievable.

Cruachan expansion:

  • Drax owns and operates one of the UK’s four pumped storage hydro plants – Cruachan Power Station, near Oban in Scotland.
  • These plants are integral to the country’s energy security through storing excess power from renewables to be re-used when electricity is in short supply.
  • Pumped storage plants act like giant water batteries by using reversible turbines to pump water from a lower reservoir to an upper reservoir which stores excess power from sources such as wind farms when supply outstrips demand. These same turbines are then reversed to bring the stored water back through the plant to generate power when the country needs it.
  • Drax is progressing plans to develop the UK’s first new pumped storage hydro power station in a generation.
  • The proposed 600 MW new plant would be built adjacent to the existing Cruachan facility.
  • The project has received development consent from the Scottish Government and the UK Government is working on plans to introduce a new investment model for new-build long duration electricity storage projects in 2025.

World-leading engineering team appointed to Drax’s Cruachan Expansion Project

31 October 2024

News

Drax is progressing an option to expand its existing Cruachan pumped storage facility in Scotland through the construction of a new 600 MW power station. Built adjacent to the existing underground plant, the new power station would effectively more than double the site’s total generation capacity to more than 1 GW.

Pumped storage plants act like giant water batteries by using reversible turbines to pump water from a lower reservoir to an upper reservoir, which stores excess power from sources such as wind farms when supply outstrips demand. These same turbines are then reversed to bring the stored water back through the plant’s turbines to generate power when the country needs it. This process both strengthens energy security and enables the grid to decarbonise.

COWI and PINI will provide dedicated support through the project’s Front-End Engineering and Design (FEED) phase, with their expertise in pumped storage hydro being used in areas such as civil and marine engineering, geotechnics, mechanical and electrical systems. Both firms have a strong track record in hydro developments around the world.

Steve Marshall, Drax’s Development Manager for the Cruachan Expansion project, said: “We are delighted to welcome two world-leading engineering consultancies to our project, helping us move forward with the new power station’s design.

“A new generation of pumped storage hydro plants will strengthen the UK’s energy security through enabling more homegrown renewable electricity to come online, cutting the need to import power or fossil fuels from abroad.

“Projects such as Drax’s will not only be good for the grid, but it will also offer fantastic opportunities for local communities and businesses. Expanding Cruachan will be a major infrastructure project which will create jobs and provide a real boost to Scotland’s economy.”

During the construction phase, the expansion of Cruachan is expected to support around 1,100 jobs across the UK and contribute a potential £470m to the economy. It would be one of the most significant infrastructure projects in Scotland in a generation.

Andy Sloan, Managing Director, COWI in the UK, said: “COWI is thrilled to support Drax on this vital project and continue to play a key role in the revival of pumped storage in Scotland. This project allows us to apply our expertise in rock mechanics and tunnel engineering to a renewable energy initiative.

“Hydroelectric developments offer tremendous potential for addressing long-term energy storage needs, paving our way to a greener, more sustainable future for generations to come.”

Pierluigi Nionelli, Head of Business Line Hydropower, PINI Group, said: “The expansion of Cruachan will make a crucial contribution to the energy transition process in Scotland. Our Hydropower Business Line is dedicated to developing cutting-edge solutions for the sector on a daily basis.

“We are therefore truly honored to be able to transfer our know-how and skills, developed over the years across Europe, South America, Asia, and Oceania, to a project like Cruachan.”

The appointment of the joint venture comes just a few weeks after the UK Government confirmed it would be moving ahead with a new investment framework to support long duration electricity storage technologies, including pumped storage hydro.

In addition to the proposed construction of a new plant, Drax is currently progressing an £80 million major refurbishment of its existing Cruachan site. The refurbishment will see original parts replaced and the generating capacity of the power station upgraded from 440 MW to 480 MW.

ENDS

Media contacts:

Aidan Kerr, Senior External Affairs Manager
E: [email protected]
T: 07849090368

Editor notes

  • Drax’s plans to build a new 600 MW pumped storage hydro plant at Cruachan was granted development consent through the Section 36 process from the Scottish Government in July 2023.
  • Cruachan was constructed over a six-year period by a large workforce of 1,300 men, affectionately known as the Tunnel Tigers. But before they could build the power station inside the mountain, they had to drill and blast into it. The men used handheld air drills to bore holes in the solid granite rock, which were then packed with gelignite and blasted.

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 provides £1m funding for groundbreaking Smart Green Shipping project

22 October 2024

News, Press releases

Renewable energy leader Drax Group (Drax) and Smart Green Shipping are partnering on a groundbreaking project, to develop and use innovative wind-assisted ‘FastRig’ technology, which will be used to help decarbonise the shipping sector.

The project will see Drax inject £1m into the initiative, matched by funding from the UK Government’s Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC) grant, which will see Smart Green Shipping’s, lightweight, retractable wingsail, installed on a vessel, with a view to demonstrating how the technology can reduce fuel consumption and resulting emissions by up to 30% per year.

Smart Green Shipping is currently undertaking sea trials of FastRig on one of Nuclear Transport Solutions’ specialist vessels, the Pacific Grebe – a purpose-built ship designed to carry nuclear cargo around the world safely. The sea trials will conclude by the end of October and will provide Smart Green Shipping with accurate, independently verified performance data.

The greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from shipping contribute around 3% of all global emissions, having risen 20% over the last decade. An earlier feasibility study conducted in partnership with Drax demonstrated potential fuel savings on ships equipped with FastRig of up to 30% per year on transatlantic routes.

If the latest demonstration is successful, work to install the technology on a commercial biomass vessel can begin, helping to decarbonise this hard-to-abate sector. The technology could also prove vital to further reducing supply chain emissions from the bulk transport of Drax’s sustainable biomass, which is used to produce around 8% of Britain’s renewable power.

Drax aims to become a carbon negative company by 2030 by installing Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS) at Drax Power Station, in Yorkshire. The power station has already been transformed by using sustainable biomass instead of coal, and the application of BECCS could enable Drax to further reduce its emissions by permanently removing up to eight million tonnes of CO2 from the atmosphere each year.

Drax’s investment in the project will also be used to develop Smart Green Shipping’s suite of wind-assist solutions. This includes FastRoute, an industry-first digital system co-created with the University of Southampton, that combines artificial intelligence with high-performance computing to analyse weather data and optimise routes for ships equipped to harness wind power. Using historical and forecast weather data, FastRoute accurately predicts how FastRig will perform, optimising journeys for FastRig-enabled ships and giving investors confidence in fuel savings. Research shows that optimised weather routes significantly reduce fuel usage and GHG emissions.

Diane Gilpin, CEO and founder of Smart Green Shipping said: “Wind is abundant, free, and exclusively available to any ship equipped to use it. Modern 21st century easily retrofittable wing sails lower the cost of propelling ships, which reduces the dependency on commodity-based fuels – whether fossil or alternative fuels – and improves supply chain certainty. Smart Green Shipping shares a joint mission with Drax Group to use renewables to move renewables. We are immensely grateful for the support from Drax Group to create seamless and easy-to-access wind solutions for cargo owners and ship owners. The first commercial installation of FastRig is incredibly exciting and an important milestone as we derisk the transition to wind for the whole shipping ecosystem.”

Miguel Veiga Pestana, Chief Sustainability Officer at Drax said: “Smart Green Shipping’s technology represents a landmark moment for the maritime energy transition and Drax is proud to provide this funding, which re-affirms our commitment to becoming a carbon-negative business by 2030. We look forward to continuing our longstanding partnership as we work together on this exciting project, which could allow us to significantly reduce emissions from the shipping of sustainable biomass, and help to decarbonise a crucial part of our global supply chain.”

Maritime Minister, Mike Kane said: “Reducing shipping emissions is vital if we’re going to decarbonise the sector and achieve our mission of becoming a Clean Energy Superpower. It’s fantastic to see Government funding making a difference, and we will continue to support UK industry to deliver a cleaner, greener sector and develop the smart technologies of the future.”

ENDS

Media contact:
Kieran Wilson
E: [email protected]
T: 07729092807

Image credit: NTS/Smart Green Shipping

Editor notes

  • Drax plans to install Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage at its power station in Yorkshire by 2030, allowing Drax to remove millions of tonnes of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere whilst producing renewable power and creating up to 10,000 jobs.
  • Drax Power Station plays an important role in UK energy security, contributing around 4% of the country’s total power and 8% of its renewable electricity.
  • Leading climate scientists and energy experts at the UK Climate Change Committee, UN IPCC and National Grid all recognise that BECCS is essential for reaching net zero.
  • The UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) stated in its review of Maritime Transport 2023 that maritime trade is expected to grow 2.4% in 2023 and more than 2% between 2024 and 2028.
  • The report also states that without action, emissions could reach 130% of their 2008 levels by 2050.
  • Drax reports its supply chain emissions in its Annual Report, which is independently audited.

About Smart Green Shipping:

Smart Green Shipping unlocks wind power for the shipping industry by building and financing autonomous, retrofittable wind technologies to help reduce carbon emissions by 30%. The first product in the suite, FastRig – a 100% recyclable wingsail – is undergoing at-sea trials with NTS in October 2024 in a project part-funded by the UK Government. Smart Green Shipping works closely within the shipping ecosystem, including cargo owners Drax, shipowners MOL, Ultrabulk, NTS and has received support and investment from Scottish Enterprise. Its technical team comprises Humphreys Yacht Design, Houlder, Malin Group, Caley Ocean Systems, Argo Engineering, Lloyd’s Register and the University of Southampton.

About Drax:

Drax Group’s purpose is to enable a zero carbon, lower cost energy future and in 2019 announced a world-leading ambition to be carbon negative by 2030, using bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) technology.

Drax’s around 3,000 employees operate across three principal areas of activity – electricity generation, electricity sales to business customers and compressed wood pellet production and supply to third parties. For more information visit www.drax.com

Power generation:

Drax owns and operates a portfolio of renewable electricity generation assets in England and Scotland. The assets include the UK’s largest power station, based at Selby, North Yorkshire, which supplies five percent of the country’s electricity needs.

Having converted Drax Power Station to use sustainable biomass instead of coal it has become the UK’s biggest renewable power generator and the largest decarbonisation project in Europe. It is also where Drax is piloting the groundbreaking negative emissions technology BECCS within its CCUS (Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage) Incubation Area.

Its pumped storage, hydro and energy from waste assets in Scotland include Cruachan Power Station – a flexible pumped storage facility within the hollowed-out mountain Ben Cruachan.

The Group also aims to build on its BECCS innovation at Drax Power Station with a target to deliver 4 million tonnes of negative CO2 emissions each year from new-build BECCS outside of the UK by 2030 and is currently developing models for North American and European markets.

Pellet production and supply:

The Group has 19 operational pellet plants and developments with nameplate production capacity of around 5 million tonnes a year.

Drax is targeting 8 million tonnes of production capacity by 2030, which will require the development of over 3 million tonnes of new biomass pellet production capacity. The pellets are produced using materials sourced from sustainably managed working forests and are supplied to third party customers in Europe and Asia for the generation of renewable power.

Drax’s pellet plants supply biomass used at its own power station in North Yorkshire, England to generate flexible, renewable power for the UK’s homes and businesses, and also to customers in Europe and Asia.

Customers:  

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

To find out more go to the website www.energy.drax.com

Bright idea! – Kirk Sandall Junior School installs solar panels with funding from the Drax Foundation

14 October 2024

News
  • Drax Foundation funding has saved three schools an estimated 14.5 tonnes of combined carbon emissions this year, equivalent to 24 transatlantic flights between London and New York.

The Drax Foundation, the charitable entity of renewable energy company Drax Group (Drax), has funded the installation of solar panels at Kirk Sandall Junior School as part of a campaign to support UK schools and community-led organisations to become more energy efficient.

Funding for the panels has been provided from a £4.5m pot set aside by the Drax Foundation, which recently saw grants and solar panel installations at Abington Vale Primary School in Northampton and Barwic Parade Community Primary School in Selby.

The solar panels, fitted by the specialist solar installation company Low Carbon Energy, will save the school, near Doncaster in South Yorkshire, an estimated £4,100 per year in energy costs and reduce its carbon emissions by an estimated 5.2 tonnes per year.

Jane Breach, Drax’s UK Community and Education Manager, said: “We are proud to provide the funding for the installation of solar panels at Kirk Sandall Junior School, further underlining the Drax Foundation’s commitment to giving back to the communities where we operate.

“It is important that schools and community organisations are given the tools to become more energy efficient so they can help to play their part in the fight against climate change. “In 2024, Drax Foundation has funded three projects for the installation of solar panels at schools in Northampton, Selby and now Kirk Sandall, saving an estimated 14.5 tonnes of carbon emissions, the same as 24 transatlantic flights from London to New York, and reducing estimated energy costs by over £11,000 a year.”

Helen Redford-Hernandez & Garath Rawson, Co-CEOs of the Brighter Futures Learning Partnership said: “Brighter Futures Learning Partnership Trust, with staff at Kirk Sandall Junior School, are delighted that the trust has benefitted from the funding secured by Drax Power Station to help the school become more energy efficient.

“Over the summer the school has worked with Drax to install a number of solar panels which will support the trust’s ambition of reducing energy consumption as well as improving efficiency by reducing the schools carbon footprint. The trust values its obligations to future generations and feels that the project will support its ongoing work of helping the school to become ‘greener’, supporting the transition to Net-Zero.

“The project will also ensure that the projected financial savings are used and reinvested in the education and enrichment of our children. We are proud and grateful to Drax Foundation for its investment in our school and for being so committed to helping schools in its communities.”

Media contact:

Kieran Wilson
E: [email protected]
T: 07729092807

Editor notes:

About Drax

Drax Group’s purpose is to enable a zero carbon, lower cost energy future and in 2019 announced a world-leading ambition to be carbon negative by 2030, using bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) technology.

Drax’s c.3,500 employees operate across three principal areas of activity – electricity generation, electricity sales to business customers and compressed wood pellet production and supply to third parties. For more information visit www.drax.com

To find out more information about the Drax Foundation go to the website www.drax.com/community

 

Future generation – schools given opportunity to shine with Drax’s 50th anniversary art competition

10 October 2024

News
  • Schoolchildren are being invited by Drax to submit their designs for a poster that visualises the energy industry workers of the 21st century
  • Winners will see their designs showcased at the power station’s history display, as part of its golden anniversary celebrations.

Renewable energy pioneer, Drax, is offering schoolchildren in communities local to Drax Power Station the exciting opportunity to design a poster that visualises the ‘energy employee of the future’.

The competition is part of Drax Power Station’s golden anniversary, marking 50 years since it started generating power in 1974, celebrating the generations of employees who have worked there since then, as well as the energy pioneers of the future.

The design competition gives students the chance to create a poster with a 21st-century twist, by looking to the future of renewable power generation, taking inspiration from Drax Power Station’s own evolution.

Shona King, Head of Community at Drax said: “Young people will play an essential role in the energy system of the future as the UK continues on its energy transition journey. It is vital that we encourage conversations around careers in the energy sector and help school-aged children to foster an understanding of the diverse and evolving opportunities for careers in STEM roles, so that they have the skills to play their part in a decarbonised future.

“This competition to design a modern labour poster will also pay tribute to the generations of employees at Drax Power Station, who have kept the lights on for millions of homes and businesses across the UK, for half a century – whilst celebrating the exciting career opportunities which will be created in the next 50 years.”

Drax has been a leader in the field of bioenergy since converting the power station to use sustainable biomass instead of coal, transforming it to become the biggest decarbonisation project in Europe.

It now has ambitious plans to develop bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) at the site – a vital carbon removal technology, which will be essential in the energy transition and enabling the UK to meet its net zero targets.

Winners will see their designs displayed in the power stations’ dedicated history area at reception, which will also feature a collage of all entries in the shape of the Drax Power Station.

They will also receive a Lego replica of Drax Power Station and a framed print of their design, with copies displayed inside the power station. Alongside the competition, local schools will receive a grant of up to £2,000 towards STEM resources.

The graphic design competition will be open to three age group categories:

  • Category 1, 7-11 years old
  • Category 2, 11- 15 years old
  • Category 3, 16 – 18 years old

Entries for the competition are now open with winners selected by December 16th. More information can be found here. 

ENDS

Media contacts:

Kieran Wilson
E: [email protected] 
T: 07729092807

Editor notes

About Drax

Drax Group’s purpose is to enable a zero carbon, lower cost energy future and in 2019 announced a world-leading ambition to be carbon negative by 2030, using bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) technology.

Drax’s around 3,000 employees operate across three principal areas of activity – electricity generation, electricity sales to business customers and compressed wood pellet production and supply to third parties. For more information visit www.drax.com

Power generation:

Drax owns and operates a portfolio of renewable electricity generation assets in England and Scotland. The assets include the UK’s largest power station, based at Selby, North Yorkshire, which supplies five percent of the country’s electricity needs.

Having converted Drax Power Station to use sustainable biomass instead of coal it has become the UK’s biggest renewable power generator and the largest decarbonisation project in Europe. It is also where Drax is piloting the groundbreaking negative emissions technology BECCS within its CCUS (Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage) Incubation Area.

Its pumped storage, hydro and energy from waste assets in Scotland include Cruachan Power Station – a flexible pumped storage facility within the hollowed-out mountain Ben Cruachan.

The Group also aims to build on its BECCS innovation at Drax Power Station with a target to deliver 4 million tonnes of negative CO2 emissions each year from new-build BECCS outside of the UK by 2030 and is currently developing models for North American and European markets.

Pellet production and supply:

The Group has 19 operational pellet plants and developments with nameplate production capacity of around 5 million tonnes a year.

Drax is targeting 8 million tonnes of production capacity by 2030, which will require the development of over 3 million tonnes of new biomass pellet production capacity. The pellets are produced using materials sourced from sustainably managed working forests and are supplied to third party customers in Europe and Asia for the generation of renewable power.

Drax’s pellet plants supply biomass used at its own power station in North Yorkshire, England to generate flexible, renewable power for the UK’s homes and businesses, and also to customers in Europe and Asia.

Customers: 

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

To find out more go to the website www.energy.drax.com

School’s out! First visit of the academic year to Drax Power Station

9 October 2024

News

Children from the school’s year two class were given free travel and admission to Drax’s Skylark Centre, a nature centre at the Barlow Nature Reserve, which is home to a variety of wildlife including deer, sheep, herons, skylarks and a swan sanctuary. Schoolchildren spent the day learning about wildlife found on the reserve and completed a number of outdoor activities.

The Transport Fund was created in June 2024 to help support young people develop their science technology engineering and maths (STEM) skills. Providing schools meet the qualifying criteria, which includes being sited within 15 miles of a Drax Power Station and having at least 20% of their pupils being on free school meals, they can apply for transport grants of up to £500.

Helen Green, Year 2 Class Teacher, Howden Church of England Infant School said: “What an amazing start to the school year! Our Year 2 children visited the Skylark Centre at Drax to find out about living things in their environment. They made bug hotels, went on a big bug safari and went pond dipping. In the afternoon, they worked as teams to build dens.

“Educationally and socially, it was a wonderful experience for all children. In addition to free entry, we were fortunate enough to be given a transport grant for the trip. All children attended free of charge. The cost of coaches can be prohibitive when organising a school trip and put pressure on families. We greatly appreciated being able to give our children this educational opportunity without the heavy burden of coach fees. I have already enquired about visiting next year and hope that the same opportunity will be available, as it really was a valuable, local visit.”

Jane Breach, UK Community and Education Manager at Drax, said: “We are delighted to provide opportunities for local schools to visit our Skylark Centre at Barlow Nature Reserve. It is important for children of all ages to understand the responsibility we have towards ensuring nature, wildlife and their unique ecosystems can co-exist with energy infrastructure such as Drax Power Station, which helps to keep the lights on for millions of homes and businesses across the UK by generating reliable, renewable power.”

As well as being the home to a large number of endangered and rare species of wildlife, the area is farmed and features a number of rest areas and nature walks. The project for the nature reserve, named Barlow Mound, was conceived in the 1970s as a disposal solution for the by-products created by coal power generation. The site has gone on to provide a thriving natural habitat to be enjoyed by wildlife and local residents alike.

Our Tranport Fund awards grants up to £500 towards the cost of transportation to visit either Drax Power Station, Cruachan Power Station or Tongland Hydro Station. Use this link to check eligibility and to apply to the bursary fund.

ENDS

Media contacts:

Kieran Wilson
E: [email protected] 
T: 07729092807

 Editor notes

About Drax

Drax Group’s purpose is to enable a zero carbon, lower cost energy future and in 2019 announced a world-leading ambition to be carbon negative by 2030, using bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) technology.

Drax’s around 3,000 employees operate across three principal areas of activity – electricity generation, electricity sales to business customers and compressed wood pellet production and supply to third parties. For more information visit www.drax.com

Power generation:

Drax owns and operates a portfolio of renewable electricity generation assets in England and Scotland. The assets include the UK’s largest power station, based at Selby, North Yorkshire, which supplies five percent of the country’s electricity needs.

Having converted Drax Power Station to use sustainable biomass instead of coal it has become the UK’s biggest renewable power generator and the largest decarbonisation project in Europe. It is also where Drax is piloting the groundbreaking negative emissions technology BECCS within its CCUS (Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage) Incubation Area.

Its pumped storage, hydro and energy from waste assets in Scotland include Cruachan Power Station – a flexible pumped storage facility within the hollowed-out mountain Ben Cruachan.

The Group also aims to build on its BECCS innovation at Drax Power Station with a target to deliver 4 million tonnes of negative CO2 emissions each year from new-build BECCS outside of the UK by 2030 and is currently developing models for North American and European markets.

Pellet production and supply:

The Group has 19 operational pellet plants and developments with nameplate production capacity of around 5 million tonnes a year.

Drax is targeting 8 million tonnes of production capacity by 2030, which will require the development of over 3 million tonnes of new biomass pellet production capacity. The pellets are produced using materials sourced from sustainably managed working forests and are supplied to third party customers in Europe and Asia for the generation of renewable power.

Drax’s pellet plants supply biomass used at its own power station in North Yorkshire, England to generate flexible, renewable power for the UK’s homes and businesses, and also to customers in Europe and Asia.

Customers: 

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

To find out more go to the website www.energy.drax.com

Picture perfect – Photo exhibition for Drax Power Station’s golden anniversary

1 October 2024

News

Renewable energy leader Drax is marking 50 years since Drax Power Station began generating electricity with a brand-new public exhibition at Selby Abbey.

The exhibition, Drax Power Station: Powering Britain for 50 Years, celebrates the unique history of the power station, exploring the crucial role it plays in the UK’s power system and the positive impact it has made on local communities over the years. The exhibition also looks ahead at plans to make the power station the world’s largest engineered carbon removals plant by installing Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS) technology.

The exhibition features photos from the construction of the power station which started in 1967, along with pictures of the finishing touches being applied to its iconic cooling towers, the control room, and its four biomass storage domes which can each hold 80,000 tonnes of compressed wood pellets.

Drax Power Station began the transition from coal-fired power to sustainable biomass generation in 2003 and following the decommissioning of its remaining coal units it is now the UK’s biggest renewable power source by output.

Drax’s BECCS plans will allow Drax Power Station to continue to play a critical role in supporting UK energy security and would enable it to remove approximately 8 million tonnes of carbon dioxide per year when fully operational.

Bruce Heppenstall, Drax Plant Director, said: “Drax Power Station has stood as an iconic landmark on the North Yorkshire skyline for 50 years and provides power for over four million homes and businesses, whilst contributing £358 million to the local economy and supporting 2,500 jobs.

“This exhibition of photos from the proud history of our power station embodies the collective spirit of hard work and innovation of all those who have worked at the power station. It represents Drax’s crucial role in UK energy security and celebrating its transition from coal to sustainable biomass, and heralding an exciting future with BECCS, which we aim to use to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere whilst generating renewable power.”

The exhibition is open to the public and runs from Saturday 28th September to Thursday 10th October at Selby Abbey. Opening Times: Mon-Sat 10am-4pm, Sun 12pm-4pm.

ENDS

Photo caption 1: Aerial view of Drax Power Station in 1975.

Photo caption 2: Construction of one of the cooling towers at Drax Power Station in the 1980s.

Photo caption 3: Drax Power Station control room in 1984.

Media contacts:

Kieran Wilson
E: [email protected] 
T: 07729092807

Editor notes

About Drax

Drax Group’s purpose is to enable a zero carbon, lower cost energy future and in 2019 announced a world-leading ambition to be carbon negative by 2030, using bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) technology.

Drax’s around 3,000 employees operate across three principal areas of activity – electricity generation, electricity sales to business customers and compressed wood pellet production and supply to third parties. For more information visit www.drax.com

Power generation:

Drax owns and operates a portfolio of renewable electricity generation assets in England and Scotland. The assets include the UK’s largest power station, based at Selby, North Yorkshire, which supplies five percent of the country’s electricity needs.

Having converted Drax Power Station to use sustainable biomass instead of coal it has become the UK’s biggest renewable power generator and the largest decarbonisation project in Europe. It is also where Drax is piloting the groundbreaking negative emissions technology BECCS within its CCUS (Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage) Incubation Area.

Its pumped storage, hydro and energy from waste assets in Scotland include Cruachan Power Station – a flexible pumped storage facility within the hollowed-out mountain Ben Cruachan.

The Group also aims to build on its BECCS innovation at Drax Power Station with a target to deliver 4 million tonnes of negative CO2 emissions each year from new-build BECCS outside of the UK by 2030 and is currently developing models for North American and European markets.

Pellet production and supply:

The Group has 19 operational pellet plants and developments with nameplate production capacity of around 5 million tonnes a year.

Drax is targeting 8 million tonnes of production capacity by 2030, which will require the development of over 3 million tonnes of new biomass pellet production capacity. The pellets are produced using materials sourced from sustainably managed working forests and are supplied to third party customers in Europe and Asia for the generation of renewable power.

Drax’s pellet plants supply biomass used at its own power station in North Yorkshire, England to generate flexible, renewable power for the UK’s homes and businesses, and also to customers in Europe and Asia.

Customers: 

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

To find out more go to the website www.energy.drax.com