Archives: Press Release

Drax Foundation funding supports education and environment programs across Canada

30 June 2025

News

Renewable energy company Drax has donated $572,715 to seven Canadian non-profits from the latest funding period of the Drax Foundation. The grantees are Dexterra Community Initiatives, The Exploration Place, Living Lakes, MindFuel, Raincoast Conservation, Trans Canada Trail Foundation, and Williams Lake First Nation. These donations will continue work already being done as well as new programs across Canada.

$60,000 will fund Living Lakes and their award-winning charitable water science and stewardship programs. Working with Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, as well as many other diverse partners, Living Lakes programs work to protect freshwater by building community capacity. This funding will build a Foreshore Integrated Management Planning survey on Francois Lake in the Nechako Watershed and its important riparian zones and multiple freshwater species.

“Living Lakes Canada is a true partner of the Nechako Watershed Roundtable (NWR), actively engaging in watershed activities and connecting with residents,” said Tasha Peterson, Regional Program Lead, Northern Interior Region, Fraser Basin Council. “The information gained through the FIMP process supports the implementation of the NWR’s Large Lakes Monitoring Strategy, giving us a better understanding of impacts to individual lakes, the watershed as a whole and the actions that communities can take to support sustainability.”

“Drax values the ability to contribute and support the communities we live, and operate in,” said Sandy Sung, Drax’s Canadian Community Manager. “With funding, these organizations and their important programs will continue to benefit and better communities with new and expanded programs.” said Sung.

With a $100,000 donation, MindFuel will continue their important innovation and STEM programs for British Columbia and Alberta youth through project-based learning and hands on training. Their Tech Futures Challenge and Mini Challenges programs offer introductions to robotics, automation, coding and minilabs to students, including Indigenous youth in rural areas. The programs also provide tools to teachers to support their confidence in offering innovation and project-based learning enrichment programs to their students.

“I’d like to thank the Drax Foundation for its generous and continued support of our STEM innovation programming,” says Cassy Weber, CEO, MindFuel. “In our recent 10-year study, we learned that 87% of youth surveyed reported having an increased interest in innovation and entrepreneurship, due to positive attitudinal impacts they experienced through engagement in our programming. Additionally, 95% of youth reported that our programming positively influenced their post- secondary and career choices in a related STEM field.”

The Exploration Place will receive $120,000 towards their high-quality STEAM education programs. This round of funding will allow the expansion of barrier-free STEAM education to students, homeschoolers, preschoolers, and the broader community in the 2025-2026 school year.

“The Drax Foundation has supported our school programs since 2023, and that ongoing investment has been transformational,” says Robyn Curtis, Manager, Development. “Their funding allows us to remove financial barriers and bring high-quality, hands-on STEAM learning to students across Northern BC. We’re deeply grateful for their partnership and the opportunity to continue inspiring the next generation of curious minds.”

The Drax Foundation provides grant funding for non-profit organizations that share our commitment to improving equitable access to STEM education, nature and community green spaces, and measures that improve energy. In 2024, the Drax Foundation donated over $480,000 to organizations in these areas committed to enhancing their communities.

To learn more about the Drax Foundation and Drax’s community efforts, visit Our communities – Drax Canada or contact [email protected] for additional information.

ENDS

Notes to editors

Contact Information:

Caroline Bleay

E: [email protected]
T: 780-502-1571

About Drax

Drax Group’s mission is to help meet the world’s increasing demand for secure energy, sustainably, and to reach net zero by the end of 2040 across our value chain. By supporting biodiversity across our sites and in our value chain by the end of 2030 and seeking to make a positive contribution to the lives and livelihoods of our colleagues, communities, and workers in our supply chain, Drax is committed to being climate, nature, and people positive in our operations.

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/ca/

Pellet production and supply:

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

The pellets are produced using materials sourced from sustainably managed working forests that deliver climate, nature and people positive outcomes, adhering to strict compliance, traceability, and third-party certification standards. These pellets 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.

Forests, friends, and fibre – COFI Convention 2025

9 May 2025

News

Every year, industry members gather to discuss the current state of forestry in British Columbia at the annual BC Council of Forestry Industries convention. Last month, in Prince George, attendees heard from panellists and industry experts on the BC forest sector economic outlook, where BC stands as a competitor against other jurisdictions, navigating global markets, and more. From US & Canada relations to conservation and certification, this year’s convention was full of useful and insightful discussions.  

Caroline Bleay, Agata Kosinski, and Sandy Sung attended the COFI 2025 Convention. Drax was this year’s Audience Engagement Sponsor.

A group of Drax employees from BC and Alberta attended, including Anna Kauffman, Forest Nature and Conservation Manager, Sandy Sung, Community Manager, Agata Kosinski, Public Affairs and Policy Manager, and Caroline Bleay, Communications Manager. Our colleagues listened, learned, and engaged with panellists and attendees, hearing firsthand how the industry is fairing.  

As the Audience Engagement sponsor, Drax provided the question software so that attendees could ask and vote on questions during the panels and keynote speeches. These questions allowed for interactive sessions and to elaborate on the pressing topics being discussed. It also allowed us to welcome attendees on the final day of the convention, introduce Drax, and the first panel of the day.  

“Attending the COFI Convention was a wonderful opportunity to represent our company at a leading industry event,” said Caroline Bleay, Canadian Communications Manager for Drax. “Forestry is an industry that helped to build the province, so to participate in a convention that is driving the industry forward into the future while remembering its historic roots is quite remarkable.” 

Attendees and panellists discussed the balance between corporate and community, and how as the leading employer in so many rural communities in BC, forestry companies need to ensure they are being a good neighbour and community member.

“Hearing the speakers discuss the importance of participating in the communities we operate in in multiple ways reaffirmed our mission at Drax,” said Sandy Sung, Community Manager for Drax in Canada.  “The conversations further affirmed that there is always more we can do to support our communities, build stronger partnerships, and stay informed on the rapidly changing landscape.” 

Now more than ever, it is important to ensure that we consider the environment in every aspect of the work we do. For Anna Kauffman, Drax’s Forest Nature and Conservation Manager, “the COFI convention was an opportunity to connect with my Drax colleagues and other industry professionals. Presentations this year carried a notably serious tone, in anticipation of potential trade challenges.” There was a “‘pull up our bootstraps’ attitude that resonated through every panel and keynote address. Discussions centred on anticipated reform to BC Timber Sales and a desire for stable and reliable access to timber.”  

 With many moving parts impacting trade of all kinds globally, conversations on politics and the impact on BC forestry were especially interesting to convention attendees. Hearing from current and former politicians from all levels of government gave an insightful view into what the industry will be dealing with in the coming months and years.

“Attending COFI 2025 was an enlightening experience, especially when listening to the politicians discuss the current state of affairs,” says Agata Kosinski, Canadian Public Affairs and Policy Manager for Drax. Speakers highlighted that sustainable forestry practices are essential for environmental conservation, economic stability, and community well-being. “They stressed that achieving these goals requires a unified approach, where local, provincial, federal, and Indigenous governments work hand-in-hand with industry leaders.” This collaboration is vital to address regulatory challenges, promote innovation, and ensure that forestry practices meet both ecological and economic objectives.  

While underscoring the importance of dialogue and partnership in navigating the complex landscape of modern forestry, COFI 2025 also provided the invaluable opportunity to hear from industry and thought leaders, economists, and academics all in one place. These experts provided a balanced and comprehensive view of the current state of the BC forestry industry, highlighting both its achievements and challenges. Engaging with such a diverse range of perspectives fostered a deeper understanding of the complexities involved and encouraged innovative solutions. Moreover, the conference left attendees with a positive outlook on the future, equipping them with the knowledge and inspiration needed to tackle upcoming challenges. This collaborative environment not only enhanced professional growth but also strengthened the collective effort towards sustainable and resilient forestry practices. 

To learn more about the COFI 2025 Convention panellists and speakers, visit 2025 Convention | Council of Forest Industries. 

To learn more about Drax’s commitment to sustainability and community, visit Sustainability – Drax Canada and Our communities – Drax Canada.  

Featured image caption: Caroline Bleay, Canadian Communications Manager, introduces Drax and the morning panel on the final day of the COFI 2025 Convention in Prince George.

Drax Gives Over $681K to Canadian Communities in 2024

26 March 2025

News

Drax Foundation, the charitable entity of renewable energy company Drax Group, has given over $681K to communities across Canada in 2024. This marks a meaningful increase in charitable giving to support and develop STEM education, grassroots initiatives, and create a positive impact for the climate, nature, and people.   

“Drax is committed to being a good and respectful neighbour in our operating communities and beyond,” said Liezl van Wyk, VP of Northern Operations for Drax. “The Drax Foundation and Community Fund build on and back the work our operations employees do every day to support strong, vibrant communities for a net zero future.”

Read the Drax Foundation Annual Review here.

In Canada, the Drax Foundation contributed over $480,000 to communities, in addition to the over $200,000 coming from the Community Fund. Scientists in Schools, a STEM education organization 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 Colombia 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,” said Cindy Adams, Executive Director, Scientists in School. “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.” 

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

“Building stronger communities in the areas where Drax operates is the driving force behind our social purpose,” said Miguel Veiga-Pestana, Drax Group Chief Sustainability Officer. “Through our charitable giving, we’re empowering individuals with the skills and resources they need to thrive, while also making a tangible contribution to a sustainable future.” 

To learn more about the Drax Foundation and Community Fund, visit our community page..  

— ### — 

Contact Information: 

Caroline Bleay 
Communications Manager, Canada
780-502-1571
[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 2040, 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/ca/  

Pellet production and supply:

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

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

Drax Launches New Sustainability Framework

26 February 2025

News

Renewable energy company Drax Group has launched a new corporate sustainability framework. The sustainability framework encompasses 26 time-bound targets grouped under three pillars: climate, nature, and people; laying out the actions Drax is taking on sustainability across its business operations. 

“Our new sustainability framework signals a significant change in the way Drax manages its impact on the environment, communities and nature,” said Miguel Veiga-Pestana, Drax Group Chief Sustainability Officer. “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.”  

The sustainability framework means reaching net zero by the end of 2040 across the value chain, supporting biodiversity across Drax sites by the end of 2030, seeking to make a positive contribution to the lives and livelihoods of Drax employees, communities, and workers in the supply chain, and transparency around sustainable biomass sourcing. A key to the framework is the biomass sourcing policy, which tightens Drax’s already rigorous sourcing policy to keep pace with evolving science and rising industry standards and governs all the biomass Drax handles.  

To be climate positive, Drax’s aim is to have a net positive impact on the climate by reducing emissions to net zero, source biomass only from well-managed forest, and removing carbon for good. Under the nature positive pillar, Drax is committed to not only protecting nature, but actively enhancing it by avoiding negative impact and delivering positive impact. Lastly, the fundamental value of the people positive pillar believes that energy transition can and should benefit everyone. This is done through building an inclusive workplace, promoting fundamental rights, and partnering with communities.   

The sustainability framework is the result of listening to critics, engaging with experts, reviewing previous successes, and looking back at Drax’s setbacks, all with the goal of ensuring we are on the right path.  

To learn more about Drax’s corporate sustainability framework, visit Our Approach – Drax Global.  

— ### — 

Contact Information: 

Caroline Bleay 
Communications Manager, Canada
780-502-1571
[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 www.drax.com/ca/

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 receives Top Employer award for 2025

11 February 2025

News

Renewable energy company Drax has been named one of ‘BC’s Top Employers’ for 2025. This year marks the 25th anniversary of ‘Canada’s Top 100 Employers’. With a competitive group of applicants every year, Drax is proud of this achievement as it recognizes the company as a leader in the industry and an exceptional place to work.  

Each year, Canada’s Top 100 Employers reviews the initiatives employers across the country have put in place to support their employees. Amongst other reasons, Drax was selected as a top employer for its annual awards program that leaders can nominate employees for, the company’s maternity leave and fertility coverage policies, as well as their vacation allowance for salaried employees.

“British Columbia has always been one of the most progressive regions in the country in terms of benefits, flexibility and forward-thinking environmental policies — and this year’s winners are no exception,” says Richard Yerema, executive editor of the Canada’s Top 100 Employers project. “The province is home to many fearless, progressive organizations that are not afraid to push the boundaries and stand out from the crowd in a way that attracts new employees from across BC and throughout Canada.” 

Employers are evaluated by the editors of Canada’s Top 100 Employers on eight criteria including:  

  • Workplace 
  • Work Atmosphere & Social 
  • Health, Financial & Family Benefits 
  • Vacation & Time Off 
  • Employee Communications 
  • Performance Management 
  • Training & Skills Development 
  • Community Involvement 

This award solidifies Drax’s commitment to being a People Positive, Climate Positive, and Nature Positive employer.   

“It’s exciting news to be named one of BC’s Top Employers,” said Jamie Eck, HR Director for Canada. “Our People Promise is clear – together, we make it happen – and this recognition would not have been possible without our colleagues and their hard work and dedication to making Drax a great place to work. We hope that all colleagues celebrate in this achievement because it would not have been possible without them.” 

To learn more about why Drax was selected, visit https://content.eluta.ca/top-employer-drax-group-canada. Information on the national Top Employer awards can be found at Canada’s Top 100 Employers, and BC’s Top Employers (2025) to see the list of all Top Employers in BC.  

— ### — 

Contact Information: 

Caroline Bleay 
Communications Manager, Canada
780-502-1571
[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 www.drax.com/ca/  

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 donation provides ‘wildly immersive’ nature experience to many

31 January 2025

News

Renewable energy company Drax has donated $96,000 to UBC Forestry’s Wild & Immersive (W&I) program. The donation, given through the Drax Foundation, will continue the strong environmental and educational work UBC Forestry’s program already provides in the community.  

Located in both Williams Lake and Maple Ridge, the Wild & Immersive program increases recreational opportunities for the community as well as financial bursaries allowing equal access to those interested in their programming. 

“UBC Forestry’s Wild & Immersive (W&I) program is grateful to receive support from the Drax Foundation for the second consecutive year,” said Mark Gill, Wild & Immersive Education Program Supervisor, Alex Fraser Research Forest (AFRF). “This year’s grant will help develop a new publicly accessible trail and dock at AFRF, as well as continue supporting the bursary fund allowing for widespread participation in our programming.”  

The Drax Foundation donated over $480,000 in 2024. Organizations supporting Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education, green skills training, nature-based education, and community green spaces, received grant funding to enhance their communities.  

“This year’s grant will support the redevelopment of nature and community greenspaces for the W&I program at the Malcolm Knapp Research Forest (MKRF) in Maple Ridge, creating more opportunities for W&I participants and the local community to learn, recreate, and explore,” said Hélène Marcoux, Manager of MKRF. “The grant will fund new interpretive signage in the arboretum, trail maintenance, and the addition of 10 physical challenge stations on the Wilderness Adventure Loop, featuring wildlife-related activities for children.”

The Drax Foundation provides grant funding for non-profit organizations that share our commitment to improving equitable access to STEM education, nature and community green spaces, and measures that improve energy.  

“Drax values the ability to contribute and support the communities we live, and operate in,” said Sandy Sung, Drax’s Canadian Community Manager. “We look forward to seeing the benefits of this grant funding in the communities and the advancement of outdoor education and recreation in Williams Lake and Maple Ridge.” said Sung. 

To learn more about the Drax Foundation and Drax’s community efforts, visit Our communities – Drax Canada or contact [email protected] for additional information. 

— ### — 

Contact Information: 

Caroline Bleay 
Communications Manager, Canada
780-502-1571
[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 www.drax.com/ca/  

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 donates $65,000 to Canadian food banks

17 December 2024

News

Renewable energy company Drax has donated $65,000 to twelve food banks across British Columbia and Alberta through the company’s dedicated Community Fund. 

The food banks receiving this support serve communities close to Drax sites in Canada, the USA and the UK, providing essential support to people who are struggling with the cost of living. 

“Its donations and support from community members and businesses such as yours that make it possible for the food bank to run throughout the year working hard to support our community members who need us” said Jennifer Palmer-Ciccone, Armstrong Food Bank’s Manager. 

Drax’s Community Fund has awarded over $821,000 in donations in 2024, including more than $100,000 to foodbanks across the world. Closer to home, the team at Drax’s Lavington operation helped to stock up the foodbank during the Emergency Services Food Drive in Lumby and Lavington. 

“Drax continues to be committed to supporting the communities we live, and operate in. We believe it’s important to show our appreciation to our communities, especially during the holiday season,” said Sandy Sung, Drax’s Canadian Community Manager. “We hope these donations help local food banks in British Columbia and Alberta support the higher than ever demand they are currently experiencing due to the increased cost of living.” said Sung. 

Local food banks receiving funding this holiday season are the Armstrong Food Bank (Boys and Girls Club Okanagan), the Lake District Family Enhancement Society, the WEE Community Food Bank, High Level Native Friendship Centre, the Salvation Army Bulkley Valley, Lumby Food Bank, Nourish Food Bank (Quesnel), the Salvation Army Prince George, Princeton Food Bank, Greater Vancouver Food Bank, the Salvation Army Prince Rupert, and the Salvation Army Williams Lake.  

In Canada, donations from the fund have also been given to other essential organizations like the Smithers School Lunch Program, as well as 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/ca/about-us/our-communities/ or contact [email protected] for additional information. 

— ### — 

Photo caption 1: The Salvation Army team at Prince George collecting their donations last year.

Contact Information: 

Caroline Bleay 
Communications Manager, Canada
780-502-1571
[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 www.drax.com/ca/  

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 inspires future female engineers at Science World’s Girls and STEAM Summit

12 December 2024

News

Drax proudly sponsored and participated in Science World’s “Girls and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) Summit,” which took place in Vancouver on November 2, 2024. 

“Girls and STEAM”, an annual event hosted by Science World, inspires girls aged 12–14 to discover and pursue their interests in STEAM while learning from professional female mentors working in STEAM careers. 

This year, more than 300 girls participated in the event and a series of activities designed to help them identify and build on their interests in STEAM fields. Activities included a keynote by deep-sea scientist and speaker Moronke Harris, hands-on workshops, and an interactive mentorship session. Throughout the day, participants learned about the backgrounds, interests, education, and professional career paths of their STEAM mentors.   

“Attendees learned about the different fibre mix that goes into making Drax pellets and then matched the correct name and definition to the right fibre type,” said Sandy Sung, Drax Community Manager. The hands-on activity showed them that STEAM can take all shapes and forms in industry. 

Drax’s sponsorship at the event was provided through the Drax Community Fund. The Community Fund provides smaller donations of up to CA$10,000 to local community projects and initiatives. Focus areas for the Community Fund include STEM education and skills development, as well as enhancing biodiversity and green spaces in local communities.

“Science World is proud to partner with businesses and organizations in our community to bring STEAM education to young people,” said Issy Worrall, Manager, Public Programs and Engagement at Science World. “Having our partners participate in events such as the ‘Girls and STEAM Summit’ allows us to help showcase the broad opportunities of STEAM in industry and beyond.” 

“Sharing my experience as an engineer, and what that means for my job at Drax was really rewarding,” said Evangeline Saclamacis, Drax’s Carbon Reduction Engineer, who participated in the mentor roundtables. The girls visited our public showcase to learn more about what we do at Drax, and it was an opportunity to educate the next generation of engineers on how sustainable biomass can be used to create energy.” 

Contact Information:  

Caroline Bleay
Communications Manager, Canada 
780-502-1571
[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/ca  

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.