Archives: Press Release

Drax Foundation donation helps Louisiana non-profit give a ‘bird’s eye view’ to the public

30 January 2025

News

Renewable energy company Drax has announced that two U.S. non-profits will receive $54,000 as part of the Drax Foundation’s latest round of donations. The non-profits receiving the donations are the National Audubon Society and the Rapides Wildlife Association. The $50,000 will help the Audubon protect birds and the habitats they need throughout America using science, diplomacy, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation.  

“This gift is a testament to Drax’s commitment to environmental stewardship and community enrichment,” said Allison Guzman, Director of Institutional Giving at the National Audubon Society. “It aligns perfectly with the National Audubon Society’s mission of protecting birds and the places they need to thrive. This contribution will bolster critical restoration efforts, create healthier ecosystems, and provide long-term benefits for birds and local communities.”  

A $4,000 donation will help the Rapides Wildlife Association power a camera that will provide a bird’s eye view of an eagle’s nest in the Kisatchie National Forest. The funds will be used to purchase new solar batteries for the camera. Mating season and nesting season are soon to start, so it is critical the solar batteries are replaced quickly if the public is to continue viewing the eagles’ progress this nesting season. 

In 2024, Drax’s total charitable giving through the Drax Foundation, the Community Fund, and the Crisis Fund was nearly $4.5 million; $860,000 of that helped U.S.-based non-profit organizations. The Drax Foundation funds initiatives that support education and skills development in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), as well as those that improve access to nature and community green spaces.  

“Our goal is to support the communities where we operate and this round of foundation giving will help organizations change the lives of thousands of kids across the southern U.S.,” said Matt White, Executive Vice President of Drax’s North America Operations. “We are honored to be able to support these non-profits who are making real, positive impacts in their communities.”  

To learn more about the Drax Foundation and Drax’s community efforts, visit www.drax.com/community. 

Image caption: A group of children taking part in an activity organized by National Audubon Society.

Contact Information: 

Michelli Martin 
Communications Manager, US
318-372-3988
[email protected]

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 approximately 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.  

Drax donates $12,000 to food banks in US South

17 December 2024

News

Renewable energy company Drax has donated $12,000 to six food banks across Louisiana, Alabama, and Arkansas to help them feed and provide support to individuals and families over the holiday period. 

“This donation is coming at a time of year when food insecurity is most keenly felt,” said DeMonica Walker, Coordinator of the Senior Program with the West Alabama Food Bank. “We feed more than 1800 senior citizens across nine counties in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and Drax’s commitment will help us continue this good work through the holiday season.”  

Globally, Drax will give more than $72,000 to 24 food banks through the company’s dedicated Community Fund. The foodbanks receiving this support serve communities close to Drax sites in the USA, Canada, England, and Scotland, providing essential supplies to hundreds of people in these countries who are struggling with the cost of living. 

“Drax is fully committed to helping our communities thrive and that is especially true during the holiday season,” said Aarika Plunkett, U.S. Community Manager for Drax. “We hope these donations help our area food banks meet the high demand they are currently experiencing,” said Plunkett. 

In Northeast Louisiana, one in seven people are considered food insecure and are at risk of experiencing hunger. “The Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana is grateful for our ongoing partnership with Drax Biomass! Their support helps provide nutritious food to our neighbors who struggle to put food on the table,” said Jean Toth, Executive Director of the Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana. “Working together we are creating a stronger, healthier community.” 

The other U.S. food banks receiving funding included the Food Bank of Central LA serving LaSalle Parish, the Demopolis Food Pantry in Alabama, the Mainstreet Mission Food Pantry serving Russellville, AR, and Kathy’s Closet and Food Pantry serving Leola, AR. 

So far this year, Drax’s Community Fund has awarded over $865,000 in donations in the US, Canada and the UK, including more than $72,000 to foodbanks. Donations from the Fund have also been given to other food and essentials organizations, youth programs, education and employment organizations, physical and mental health charities, community spaces and organizations that strengthen the communities where Drax operates. 

To learn more about Drax’s corporate giving, https://www.drax.com/us/community or contact [email protected] for additional information. 

— ### — 

Photo caption 1: Food Bank of CENLA receiving their donation. Pictured are Shelby Kelmell, Community Fund Liaison Officer, Drax (left) and Linda Hutson, Director of Development & Community Relations, Food Bank of CENLA.

Contact Information: 

Michelli Martin 
U.S. Communications Manager
318-372-3988
[email protected]  

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 http://www.drax.com/us 

Pellet production and supply:

The Group has 18 operational pellet plants and developments with nameplate production capacity of around five million tons a year. 

Drax is targeting eight million tons of production capacity by 2030, which will require the development of over three million tons 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. 

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: [email protected]
T: 07841 068415

Pathway Energy

Mission Control Communications for Pathway Energy
E: [email protected]

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 launches virtual tour of Mississippi plant

4 October 2024

News

Renewable energy company Drax is excited to announce the launch of its virtual tour of its Mississippi pellet plant. The tour allows visitors to explore the plant’s operations, including the production of a wood pellet. 

The virtual tour offers a comprehensive look at the entire pellet production process, from raw fiber to the final product. Follow our team members through various sections of the plant. 

“Our goal is to educate the public about the importance of sustainable energy and the role that Drax’s operations play in the larger timber industry,” said Matt White, Executive Vice President of North America Operations, Drax. “This virtual tour not only highlights the technologies and methods we employ, but also gives the audience a look at our process and our commitment to safety and sustainability.”

The virtual tour is now available on www.drax.com/gloster and is free for all users. You can also find it on our social channels, including Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. It serves as an educational resource for students, educators, organizations, and anyone interested in the pellet production process. 

To learn more about the Drax’s efforts in Mississippi, visit www.drax.com/ms or www.drax.com/gloster.  

Contact Information: 

Michelli Martin 
Communications Manager, US
318-372-3988
[email protected]

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 approximately 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.  

Drax’s Mid-Year Giving in Louisiana Reaches Nearly $100,000

2 October 2024

News

Renewable energy company Drax announced today it has given out nearly $100,000 to local community improvement projects across Central and North Louisiana. The funds, from Drax’s Community Fund, go towards initiatives that will improve quality of life and support grassroots activities in Louisiana. Drax operates two wood pellet plants in LaSalle and Morehouse parishes, respectively. 

Since April 2024, Drax’s Community Fund has awarded $96,900 to ten organizations in Louisiana. Drax has a designated Community Team, with a U.S. Community Manager, and will soon add three Community Liaison Officers who will cover all seven of our operating regions. The Community Team has been actively engaged with community stakeholders to identify and understand the community’s needs and priorities. 

“Our employees and the communities where we operate are at the heart of everything we do at Drax,”said Matt White, Executive Vice President, Pellet Operations, Drax. “These communities are our homes, and we want to help them grow and thrive. Our support impacts nearly 7,000 kids across North and Central Louisiana and we are excited to be able to continue being good neighbors to these communities.”

4 The Girls will get $10,000 to help the organization bridge the gap between transitional-age youth and their needs.

“Our mission is to support the emotional, mental, educational, social, and spiritual needs of our girls,” said Sheneka Hatfield, President of 4 The Girls. “Drax’s donation is helping support the work we’re doing to help these young girls become leaders in their homes, school, and communities.”

Ouachita Green will get $15,000 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.”

The Northeast Louisiana Children’s Museum will receive $12,000 to aid in providing a safe, educational place where children and families of all ages, backgrounds and abilities can play and learn together.  

“Drax’s donation is helping us connect kids in rural areas to STEM learning,” said Melissa Saye, Executive Director of the NELA Children’s Museum. “Thanks to Drax, we’re able to bring this programming directly to school sites, ensuring equitable access to a variety of learning opportunities.”

Other organizations receiving awards include the Boy Scouts of America, LaSTEM, Goodhope Middle School, The Junior League of Monroe, St. Christopher Day School, Beekman Charter School, and Keep Morehouse Beautiful. 

Prior Drax investments in Louisiana include scholarships for students through LEDD, donations to the Northeast Louisiana Food Bank, sponsored STEM-focused programs for children, and financial assistance to local groups following natural disasters. So far this year, $245,000 has been disbursed through the Drax Community Fund Year the U.S. 

The non-profit organizations awarded through the Drax Community Fund applied for funding through an application process. An organization must submit an application to be awarded funding through Drax’s Community Fund. To learn more about the Drax Community Fund or to apply for funding, visit www.drax.com/communities.  

Drax is also excited to announce the launch of two new websites. You can find out more about Drax’s operations in Morehouse and LaSalle parishes by visiting www.drax.com/morehouse or www.drax.com/lasalle. There, you’ll find information about job openings, career fairs, and FAQS. 

Contact Information: 

Michelli Martin 
Communications Manager, US
318-372-3988
[email protected]

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 approximately 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.  

Introducing Elimini: New carbon removal leader launches at New York Climate Week

24 September 2024

News
  • Elimini has launched at New York Climate Week with ambition to deliver carbon removals at megaton scale and 24/7 renewable power
  • US-based company group has entered into 11 carbon dioxide removal deals with eight companies, two fiber option agreements, the establishment of an esteemed Advisory Council, and the creation of four knowledge collaborations to advance research and understanding in carbon dioxide removal technologies
  • More than 20 potential bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) sites under review in North America alone for potential BECCS facilities, with additional projects under consideration in six more countries
  • New independent research reveals 74 percent of Americans are concerned about climate change, with only 37 percent believing the government is doing enough to support the development of carbon removal technologies

Elimini, a new US-based business with an ambition to be a leader in carbon removals, has today been launched at Climate Week NYC. The company is dedicated to permanently removing carbon from the atmosphere while generating renewable, 24/7 power.

By advancing bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) in the United States and beyond, the new company will help meet soaring demand for both 24/7 renewable energy and high-integrity carbon removals. Nearly all realistic pathways to limit global warming to 1.5C and 2C require developing and deploying carbon removal technology at gigaton scale and tripling renewable energy capacity. Elimini will pair 24/7 renewable energy production with carbon capture technology through BECCS – the only technology that currently supports the delivery of both targets simultaneously.

The business has been launched as new research finds that 74 percent of Americans are concerned about climate change, with 56 percent believing the government should be doing more to support the development of carbon removal technologies – and for those already familiar with these technologies, that number jumps to 72 percent, suggesting that familiarity directly drives increased favorability.

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. As an independently operated, wholly owned subsidiary within Drax Group, Elimini will also sell carbon removals generated at Drax Power Station, which conducted the first BECCS pilot of its kind in Europe and with the right government support will convert that facility to BECCS.

Will Gardiner, Elimini Executive Chair and Drax Group CEO said: “Carbon removals are desperately needed to reverse the legacy emissions warming our planet – and that industry represents more than a $1 trillion opportunity once it reaches gigaton scale. Elimini will have the focus and agility needed to become a leader in the maturing carbon market, rapidly advancing high-quality carbon removals and renewable energy production at global scale.”

Today, Elimini announced the following:

Investment from first-mover climate leaders

Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) offtake agreements with:

And the conversion of two previous MOUs with C-Zero Markets to offtakes with Elimini.

Plus, brokerage agreements with:

An Advisory Council formed of experts from across the carbon removals value chain

Established to help Elimini shape the company’s strategy and hold it true to its purpose and values. Comprised of experts with diverse backgrounds who share our commitment to removing carbon for good:

  • David Hill, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of the New York Independent System Operator and Senior Research Scholar at Columbia University’s Center on Global Energy Policy. Previously, he was Executive Vice President & General Counsel of NRG Energy and served as the US Department of Energy General Counsel.
  • Miranda Ballentine, former Assistant Secretary of the Air Force (Installations, Environment, and Energy) and Founding CEO of the Clean Energy Buyers Association; currently serving as Senior Advisor at Green Strategies, and as a Board Member and Independent Practitioner to clean energy organizations.
  • Melissa Lott, Professor, Climate School, Columbia University.
  • Freddie Davis, Director of the Rural Training and Research Center at the Federation of Southern Cooperatives.
  • Rajiv S. Joshi, Founder of Bridging Ventures and former Executive Director of the Global Call to Action Against Poverty (GCAP), the world’s largest civil society alliance, launched by Nelson Mandela, working to end poverty and inequality.

Knowledge collaborations

We’ partnering with innovative institutions to push the boundaries of carbon capture technology, including:

Biomass supply partners

Manulife Investment Management and Molpus Woodlands have signed options to provide sustainably sourced woody biomass to fuel Elimini’s BECCS operations in the US Southeast.

The Forest Landowners Assistance Program

Elimini will launch a new program for local, family-owned, or underserved landowners to receive assistance with managing their forests and providing feedstocks for BECCS facilities that will meet Elimini’s high sustainability standards.

The selection of its Owner’s Engineer to support the development of its first BECCS facility in the US 

Elimini has selected engineering firm Sargent & Lundy as the owner’s engineer to support with the development of a BECCS project in the United States. Full scale development is underway at our most advanced site for our first greenfield BECCS project.

Once fully operational, the 300-megawatt generation project will produce two terawatt hours of renewable energy while capturing 3Mt of CO2 annually – the equivalent of the average annual emissions of 100 commercial airliners.

Laurie Fitzmaurice, Elimini President said: “Elimini is entering the market at a critical time for our planet and the global economy, when unprecedented demand for power threatens to extend the world’s dependence on coal and other fossil fuels. By advancing BECCS and other carbon removal technologies in the United States and beyond, we will provide organizations and governments with realistic alternatives to power their communities and businesses while staying on track to achieve their climate commitments.”

David Hill, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of the New York Independent System Operator and Senior Research Scholar at Columbia University’s Center on Global Energy Policy said, “Elimini’s stated purpose is to remove carbon for good. As a member of the Advisory Council, I look forward to working with the company as it seeks to address some very interesting and exciting opportunities.”

“Solving climate change will require many technologies, including a critical set of net-zero and net-negative power plants that are needed to supply the global economy with reliable, affordable, and clean electricity,” said Dr. Melissa Lott, Professor, Climate School, Columbia University. “It is exciting to see Elimini step fully into this space at this critical time in global efforts to deploy technologies at the speed and scale that is needed to reduce emissions and protect the health of our communities.”

Walid Rechache, Co-Founder and CEO at Holborn Trading said, “We are excited and proud to support Elimini on their carbon removal initiative. Holborn Trading is invested because we believe in securing a sustainable future. By supporting innovative solutions like decarbonization technologies and projects including carbon dioxide removal, we’re not just offsetting emissions – we’re actively restoring the balance of our planet’s atmosphere, ensuring a healthier environment for generations to come.”

Read more about our new company, team, and the latest research here.

Drax Reaches Settlement Agreement with MDEQ, Adding Environmental Protection Project for Gloster Plant

10 September 2024

News

Renewable energy company Drax and the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) have reached a settlement in connection with Notices of Violation (NOV) at its Mississippi plant.  

The NOVs were due to the alleged permit exceedance of hazardous air pollutant limits with respect to methanol and a failure to timely conduct an emissions performance test by a certain deadline. Drax fully cooperated and took immediate action to investigate the alleged violations and provide MDEQ accurate information promptly upon its discovery.  

As part of the settlement, Drax has agreed to pay MDEQ a civil penalty of $225,000, with $150,000 of that amount paid directly to MDEQ. The remaining $75,000 will go towards a Supplemental Environmental Project (SEP) to build a new dust suppression screen at the Gloster plant. Drax is voluntarily investing more than the SEP requirement with the total enhancement project estimated to cost $150,000. 

The SEP will be completed in connection with the settlement of an enforcement action taken by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality. Drax fully supports the resolution of these matters and any appropriate penalties through the agreed order process. 

“We care deeply about the safety of our people and the residents of the communities in which we operate, and we take our environmental responsibilities and compliance extremely seriously,” said Matt White, EVP of Drax North American Operations. “Compliance is at the foundation of everything we do, and we have invested a lot of hours and resources with the goal of continuously improving our operations.” 

Drax has been working with community stakeholders to help guide future community engagement and interaction. This year, Drax created a Gloster community advisory panel made up of community leaders and citizens to help inform Drax’s future investments in the region. 

For more details about Drax’s efforts in Gloster, visit www.drax.com/gloster. The new Gloster webpage includes information about Drax’s efforts in the community, news about the plant, employment information, and FAQs about the plant and its operations.

Contact Information:

Michelli Martin 
Communications Manager, US 
318-372-3988
[email protected]
 

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 approximately 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.  

Drax Welcomes New Community Manager for Southern Region

9 August 2024

News

Renewable energy company Drax is proud to welcome Aarika Plunkett as the new U.S. Community Manager for its Southern U.S. operations. Aarika has more than 10 years of experience in community development and engagement, with a strong background in project planning, crafting community-centered solutions, and managing community partners and clients. 

In her role as Community Manager, Aarika will be responsible for building grassroots relationships in each of our operating communities and creating Action and Engagement plans in response to the unique challenges and opportunities our communities face. Aarika will also support Drax’s corporate giving efforts by helping to identify local non-profit organizations and community initiatives Drax can support through our Community Fund and Community Foundation.  

“I am excited to join the team and look forward to helping Drax positively impact communities across the Southern U.S., said Aarika Plunkett, newly hired U.S. Community Manager for Drax. “I believe my experience in community development and engagement will help Drax further establish itself as a great community neighbor.” 

Aarika will join a Community team of colleagues who cover Drax’s Canada, UK, and BECCS efforts across the company. She’ll also help develop a team of Community Liaisons who will work in our plants across the U.S. South, in addition to our previously appointed Gloster Community Liaison, Crystal Murray. 

“Aarika has a depth of knowledge and experience that is going to be instrumental in Drax’s community support and engagement endeavors,” says Shona King, Group Head of Community for Drax. “Her proven commitment to community development and grassroots engagement is impressive, and I’m excited to work with her in the years ahead to deliver our long-term strategy to be a good neighbor in the communities where we operate.” 

Aarika previously served as Senior Community Development Officer at Independent Financial in Houston, Texas. She attended the University of Houston where she attained her B.A. in Public Communication and her M.A. in Non-Profit Leadership and Management. In her free time, Aarika enjoys reading, working out, and spending time with her two teenage daughters. She also serves on several boards, including Goodwill Industries Houston and Credit Coalition.  

For more information about Drax and its commitment to community engagement, visit drax.com/us/community. 

Contact Information: 

Michelli Martin 
Communications Manager, US
318-372-3988
[email protected]

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 approximately 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.  

Drax Introduces Gloster Community Advisory Panel Members

23 July 2024

Press releases

GLOSTER, Mississippi – As part of its ongoing commitment to the Gloster community, renewable energy company Drax is excited to introduce the inaugural members of the Gloster Community Advisory Panel. The Panel, first announced in April 2024, was created to help Drax deepen its engagement with the local community around its Amite pellet production facility, provide it with a regular opportunity to hear concerns and feedback from residents and more effectively respond to their needs.

The Panel will hold its inaugural meeting on Wednesday, July 31 and will be comprised of community leaders and citizens who have a shared interest and desire in making the town of Gloster an even greater place for everyone to call home. The members are a diverse representation of the community, including local business owners, faith leaders, non-profits, and those working in education & health care. The panel will help identify priority issues and projects to be supported through the Gloster Community Fund and will help inform Drax’s future community initiatives in the region.

The Gloster Community Advisory Panel is made up of the following Gloster community members:

  • Velicia Anderson, Gloster Branch Manager, Public Library
  • Vivica Hoover, Local Business Owner
  • Christy Havard, Field Health System Gloster Clinic
  • Linda Campbell, Retired School Teacher
  • Inez Bell, Elementary School Teacher & Gloster Alderman, District 3
  • Jackie Robinson, MS , District 3 Commander, Quartermaster, VFW Post 4934
  • Larry Veal, Sweet Home Baptist Church Deacon
  • Lauren George, Community Manager, Drax
  • Crystal Murray, Gloster Community Liaison, Drax
  • Michelli Martin, Communications Manager, Drax

“Effective corporate engagement and giving is a key pillar of our community approach and reflects Drax’s commitment to being a good neighbor and making a positive contribution in the communities where we operate,” said Matt White, Executive Vice President of Pellet Operations, Drax. “We believe working closely with members of the community will help determine the best projects for Gloster’s citizens and identify ways for Drax to provide educational support, recreational space, and opportunities for community involvement as key areas of interest. This group will also be a great way for us to hear what is on the minds of our neighbors and ensure we can support and respond to their needs as quickly as possible.”

In addition to the Community Advisory Panel, Drax has also created a dedicated Gloster webpage (drax.com/gloster) to provide even greater transparency and engagement with the Gloster community. The webpage includes answers to frequently asked questions, news about the Amite pellet plant, career fairs, employment information and videos that showcase Drax’s ongoing activities within the community. The page will be updated regularly and will be updated with a virtual video tour of the pellet plant later this summer.

Quick Facts about the Gloster Community Advisory Panel

  • GCAP includes 7 representatives from the Gloster community and three representatives from Drax.
  • Will meet approximately four times per year, and no less than two times per year and members will serve two-year terms.
  • A representative from Drax will chair the meetings and a representative from Drax will take minutes of the meetings
  • Inaugural meeting will be held on Wednesday, July 31.  

Contact Information:

Michelli Martin
Communications Manager, US
318-372-3988
[email protected]

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 approximately 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.