Archives: Press Release

Drax announces carbon removals deal with C-Zero

18 April 2024

Press releases

Carbon removals and renewable energy company Drax Group today announced a carbon removals deal with C-Zero Markets (C-Zero), an environmental consultancy. The agreement is indicative of the maturing carbon market’s growing appetite for high-quality carbon removals and represents another concrete step toward Drax delivering bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) in the United States.

C-Zero will purchase carbon dioxide removals (CDR) credits from Drax representing 2,000 metric tons of permanently stored carbon under the terms of the agreement. The deal, which converts a previous MoU into a firm offtake agreement, is connected to Drax’s future deployment of carbon negative BECCS in the U.S.

“Organizations like C-Zero and the clients it supports are looking to permanent, engineered carbon removals that are high-integrity to ensure their climate commitments are achieved,” said Laurie Fitzmaurice, President, Carbon Removals at Drax. “As those deadlines approach, experts predict demand will soar for CDRs that are credible, quantifiable, and auditable – like those provided through BECCS by Drax – making now the smartest time to invest.”

This latest agreement between Drax and C-Zero is a clear indicator that demand for BECCS-derived carbon removals continues to increase. Today’s announcement comes just weeks after a firm offtake deal with Karbon-X, and Drax inked MoUs with Respira and C-Zero prior to that.

Drax also launched an independently operated business unit headquartered in Houston, Texas, at the beginning of the year with the intent of becoming the global leader in large-scale carbon removals. This business unit will oversee the development and construction of Drax’s new-build BECCS plants in the US and internationally, and it will work with a coalition of strategic partners to focus on an ambitious goal of removing at least 6 Mt of CO2 per year from the atmosphere.

BECCS is a carbon removal technology that uses sustainably sourced biomass to generate renewable energy while permanently sequestering the carbon underground. According to a recent report from Foresight Transitions, BECCS is necessary to help the United States achieve its ambitious decarbonization targets, deliver a zero-carbon power system by 2035, and become net-negative by 2050.

“Drax is one of the leading players in the BECCS space, and we’re thrilled to be partnering with them to help solve the other half of the climate equation with carbon removal,” said Mike Ridler, CEO at C-Zero Markets. “It has been great to work with them on process, compliance, and sustainability as this is fundamental to us as a business and to the clients we are supporting.”

The market for engineered carbon removals is maturing rapidly as organizations across the planet seek out solutions that can help them keep their climate commitments on track reliably. Because they are quantifiable and auditable – providing clearer value for the investment – BECCS-derived CDRs have quickly become a fundamental part of this voluntary carbon market.

To learn more about how Drax is helping organizations achieve their sustainability goals through high-quality carbon removals, visit www.draxcarbonremovals.com

Media contact:

Grant Stoker
Communications Manager, BECCS
Drax Group
[email protected]
318.376.3358

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.

About C-Zero Markets

C-Zero Markets provides environmental consultation, supporting companies and organizations with renewable energy solutions, emissions reduction and achieving carbon, compliance, and net zero targets. Their goal is to help organizations achieve the highest emission reduction standards possible. To learn more, visit www.c-zeromarkets.com.

Drax Foundation gives more than $3.4 million to boost communities

2 April 2024

Press releases

Drax has released an annual report for its Drax Foundation and Community Fund that shows more than $3.4 million has been donated to support communities across Drax’s global operations. The renewable energy company focused on funding organizations that help underrepresented groups, advance gender equality, and support indigenous communities. Organizations that have benefitted from Drax’s funding include those that improve STEM education, access to green spaces, and energy efficiency efforts in schools.  

In the U.S., the Drax Foundation and Community Fund provided more than $859,000 to organizations in 2023, including community engagement projects that focused on local wildlife through a partnership with Houston Audubon in Texas.  

“With the generous support of the Drax Foundation, Houston Audubon can continue to lead the conservation action needed along the Upper Texas Coast,” said Pete Deichmann, Land Director at the Houston Audubon. “This will help protect our land as well as the migratory, breeding and resident birds that depend on us for habitat protection.” 

The Drax Foundation also partnered with Texas Alliance for Minorities in Engineering (TAME) providing more than $80,000 in grant funding which resulted in 160 students, the vast majority from a minority background, participating in STEM programmes in the state.  

“It’s important that we give back to the communities in which we operate and I’m very proud of the work the Drax Foundation has done in its first year,” said Will Gardiner, Drax CEO. “The engagement with our communities and partners has had a positive impact for a lot of people.”

Some additional highlights in 2023 from the Drax Foundation report include: 

  • Providing just over a quarter of its grants for STEM projects, funding education and training for 70,300 children and 637 adults globally.  
  • Providing money to help 20,860 people to access community green spaces and to restore or protect 1,230 hectares of land. 
  • Providing money for local foodbanks, community sports teams, resources for local schools and improved community buildings. 
  • In addition, Drax Group’s Communities in Crisis Fund supported seven disaster relief projects around the world.  

“We are passionate about supporting diverse organizations, to deliver STEM education for those who may not have traditionally had access,” said Gardiner. “And by improving green spaces and energy efficiency in schools, we’re making communities more sustainable. I look forward to seeing the continued support we provide to our communities through the Drax Foundation in the future.” 

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

Read the full Drax Foundation Annual Review here: https://www.drax.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Drax-Foundation-Annual-Review_2023.pdf 

Contact Information: 

Megan Hopgood  
Communications Specialist, Canada
778-871-4738
[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 

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 decarbonization project in Europe. It is also where Drax is piloting the groundbreaking negative emissions technology BECCS within its CCUS (Carbon Capture Utilization 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 four million tons 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 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 announces carbon removals deal with Karbon-X

28 March 2024

Press releases

Carbon removals and renewable energy company Drax Group today announced a new carbon removals deal with Karbon-X, a leading environmental company. The agreement is the latest indicator of growing demand for high-quality carbon removals from bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS). 

Karbon-X will purchase carbon dioxide removals (CDR) credits from Drax representing 25,000 metric tons of permanently stored carbon at $350 per tonne under the terms of the agreement. The deal, which will occur over a five-year period starting in 2030, is linked to Drax’s planned deployment of carbon negative BECCS in the United States. 

“We’re excited to work with organizations like Karbon-X that understand the importance of investing in high-value carbon removals today,” said Laurie Fitzmaurice, President, Carbon Removals at Drax. “The CDR market, which is already maturing at a rapid pace, is expected to experience a supply crunch within the next decade as companies and countries approach their deadlines for carbon reduction targets.”  

The agreement with Karbon-X is the latest in a string of previously announced carbon removals memorandums of understanding that have included Respira and C-Zero. Drax also launched a new independent business unit earlier this year that is focused on becoming the global leader in large-scale carbon removals. This business unit will oversee the development and construction of Drax’s new-build BECCS plants in the US and internationally, and it will work with a coalition of strategic partners to focus on an ambitious goal of removing at least 6 Mt of CO2 per year from the atmosphere. 

BECCS is a carbon removal technology that uses sustainably sourced biomass to generate renewable energy while permanently sequestering the carbon underground. Measuring the impact of these high-quality carbon removals is more straightforward when compared with other solutions like nature-based removals, resulting in high demand. 

“This agreement with Karbon-X represents another major step forward in delivering BECCS by Drax in the United States to help meet this growing demand to decarbonize our planet,” said Fitzmaurice. 

Karbon-X intends to sell the credits it purchases from Drax on the voluntary carbon market, enabling individuals and organizations to achieve their own emissions reduction targets. It follows a stringent set of guidelines to ensure it selects only high-quality projects and providers, like BECCS by Drax. 

“We are thrilled to be working alongside Drax in the pursuit of their carbon removals program,“ said Chad Clovis, CEO of Karbon-X. “This partnership represents significant progress in our collective mission to combat climate change and build a more sustainable future.” 

As companies, industries, and countries increasingly look to engineered carbon removals to ensure they can meet their climate commitments, CDRs from carbon negative BECCS are becoming an integral piece of this market. Through BECCS, carbon removals are quantifiable and auditable, resulting in a higher quality credit. This separates BECCS-derived CDRs from carbon offsets, allowing organizations to have greater trust in the impact of their investments. 

To learn more about how Drax is helping organizations achieve their sustainability goals through high-quality carbon removals, visit www.draxcarbonremovals.com 

Media contact:  

Alex Schott 
VP, North America Communications
[email protected]
318.372.4091 

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.  

About Karbon-X 

Karbon-X is a leading environmental company that empowers individuals to offset their carbon footprints and drive positive change for the planet. Through its user-friendly mobile app, Karbon-X allows users to contribute to impactful projects and make a real difference in the fight against climate change. The organization is committed to transparency, convenience, and supporting projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 

Drax partners with LSU to support sustainable forestry, renewable energy

12 March 2024

Press releases

Carbon removals and renewable energy company Drax Group today announced a new partnership with Louisiana State University (LSU) to support students and research associated with sustainable forestry and renewable energy. The collaboration will allow LSU and Drax to help advance energy innovation on a global level, while building on LSU’s legacy of sustainable forestry and innovative energy research.  

“This partnership with LSU is the first of its kind for Drax in Louisiana and exemplifies Drax’s commitment to fostering collaborations,” said Dawn Whitworth, Head of International Partnerships and Advocacy at Drax. “Just like our existing Louisiana operations, our goals are to boost economic development, support future workforce training, and build a foundational knowledge exchange through world-leading research in the fields of renewable energy and sustainability.”

As part of the agreement, Drax has pledged a $55,000 donation to the LSU Foundation to establish a new scholarship and support existing funds to benefit LSU’s College of Agriculture and Department of Career Services. Drax will also become a sustaining member of the LSU Center for Energy Studies’ (CES) endowment through a separate donation of $7,000.  

“As an international leader in agricultural research, education and extension, the LSU College of Agriculture is excited to partner with a global industry leader like Drax,” said Dr. Matt Lee, Vice President of Agriculture and Dean of the College of Agriculture. “LSU prepares the next generation of innovators and leaders for the agricultural and energy sectors, and it seeks to chart new directions in low carbon solutions through this critical partnership. This generous support from Drax will enhance our ability to attract and educate the thought leaders of tomorrow who will secure our future.”

Drax’s $62,000 donation to LSU will go toward:  

  • Drax Group Scholarship Fund: A new, non-endowed scholarship fund will be established to benefit undergraduate students currently enrolled or intending to enroll in LSU’s College of Agriculture. Preferential consideration will be given to students with a concentration in forest resource management or forest enterprise. 
  • Center for Energy Studies (CES) Endowment: Drax has become a sustaining member of the CES endowment to support its mission of facilitating research and analysis to address energy-related issues and opportunities affecting Louisiana. 
  • COA Dean’s Excellence Fund: This existing fund benefits LSU’s College of Agriculture.  
  • LSU Olinde Career Center Development Fund: This existing, non-endowed fund benefits LSU’s Olinde Career Center, which helps students find work after completing their education. 

Drax will also join the CES Advisory Council, a group of representatives from organizations, companies, state government, and general citizens that provide direction and guidance regarding energy policy and research.

“Companies globally are actively working on ways to reduce the carbon intensity of their supply chains, and I am eager to continue to learn more about Drax’s work in pursuing bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) technologies right here in Louisiana” said Greg Upton, Interim Executive Director at LSU’s Center for Energy Studies. “We’re excited to welcome Drax as a sustaining member of our CES endowment and Advisory Council, and we look forward to collaborating to usher in a brighter energy future.” 

Drax has been an engaged member of Louisiana’s business community for more than a decade. In 2018, Drax established its US headquarters in Monroe, Louisiana, and it currently operates pellet production facilities in Bastrop and Urania. Drax supports thousands of direct and indirect jobs in the state, generating $356 million per year in economic impact in Louisiana alone. 

According to Jesse Downs, Senior Director, LSU Olinde Career Center, “LSU Students have boundless potential and are poised to be the renewable energy leaders of tomorrow. The Olinde Career Center is excited about this opportunity to support Drax in building a pipeline of quality talent. What an extraordinary opportunity for LSU students to remain in Louisiana and help shape energy innovation on a global scale.” 

LSU’s Scholarship First Agenda includes a focus on partnering with industry to find new ways to fuel the nation. An LSU-led team recently won the largest and most competitive grant ever awarded by the U.S. National Science Foundation. The NSF Engines grant will provide up to $160 million to support Louisiana’s energy industry, create jobs in the energy sector, develop innovative solutions to energy challenges and help train the world’s energy workforce. The State of Louisiana has also been at the forefront of energy and carbon removals, with the EPA delegating Class VI primacy for carbon storage permitting to Louisiana earlier this year. 

To learn more about Drax’s commitment to help Louisiana’s communities, economy, and environment thrive, visit www.drax.com/la.  

Media contact:  

Grant Stoker
Communications Manager 
E: [email protected]
T: 318.376.3358 

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.  

About the LSU Foundation 

The LSU Foundation is the primary fundraising entity for academics at LSU. The LSU Foundation’s sole purpose is to provide philanthropic support to LSU, which it accomplishes through the work of a campus-wide team of frontline development officers and a support team of advancement services, communications and marketing, donor relations, financial and talent management personnel.   

The LSU Foundation is a nonprofit, tax-exempt, 501(c)3 organization that encourages and receives restricted and unrestricted gifts. It also manages most of the investments and serves as trustee for most of the endowed funds and other private assets contributed for the benefit of LSU. To learn more, visit www.lsufoundation.org.  

About the LSU Center for Energy Studies 

The Center for Energy Studies conducts, encourages, and facilitates research and analysis to address energy-related problems or issues affecting Louisiana’s economy, environment, and citizenry. The Center’s goal is to provide a balanced, objective, and timely treatment of issues with potentially important consequences for Louisiana. For more information, visit www.lsu.edu/ces. 

Drax donates $130,000 to fund community walking track in Gloster

4 March 2024

Press releases

Drax was joined today by town leaders to announce the donation of $130,000.00 for the construction of a new community walking track in the city of Gloster, Mississippi. The announcement took place at the Gloster National Guard Armory where Mayor Jerry Norwood, Alderwoman Betty Green, several Gloster Aldermen, and community members unveiled plans for the walking track.

“Drax’s impact on our community cannot be understated, and this latest contribution will provide our citizens with a much-needed community outlet for exercise, recreation and health for years to come,” said Mayor Norwood. “The citizens of Gloster have put a walking track at the top of their list of improvements and to see it come to fruition is a great day for the city.”

While Drax has made several donations to projects in the Greater Gloster region, this is the largest donation Drax has provided to the Gloster community since opening its pellet plant in 2016.

The community walking track will be adjacent to the Gloster National Guard Armory. We worked closely with Mayor Jerry Norwood and other city leadership to determine the best project for Gloster’s citizens, and a walking track was unanimously agreed upon. Gloster leaders hope the track will provide a safe place for the community to walk/run for their health and well-being.

“Drax’s contribution will allow our citizens a place where they can gather for recreation or fellowship. It’s an opportunity for our community to take their health in their hands and we appreciate the donation,” said Betty Green, Gloster Alderwoman.

“Our commitment to the Gloster community goes well beyond the operations we have here,” said Matt White, Executive Vice President of Drax’s North America Operations. “We have a long history of engaging with local leaders and community advocates to ensure our efforts will be felt by citizens, and this walking track was specifically identified as a priority by the community.”

The event also included comments from Drax’s new community liaison, Gloster-resident Crystal Murray, who was appointed to the role earlier this year and who also serves as an administrator at the Amite Pellet Plant located in Gloster.

Previous donations from Drax to the Greater Gloster region have included fans and a P.A. system for the Ethel Vance Park, a new score board for the Pine Hills Dixie Youth baseball league field, STEM summer camps for kids, STEM support at the Middle and High Schools, and we also supported the Gloster community during natural disasters/storms with pallets of water, relief funds and other living essentials.

To learn more about Drax’s corporate giving, contact [email protected] for more information.

Photo caption: Drax team members are joined by Gloster leadership and community members to celebrate Drax’s contribution to a community walking track.

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 joins Gloster Chamber of Commerce

Press releases

Renewable energy company Drax is excited to announce it has joined the Gloster Chamber of Commerce. This strategic partnership reflects Drax’s commitment to fostering economic growth and collaboration within the local community.

By joining forces with the Gloster Chamber of Commerce, Drax will pool resources with a Mississippi network of like-minded businesses, resources, and opportunities aimed at driving mutual success. As a member, Drax will have the chance to participate in networking events, workshops, and initiatives designed to support business development and community engagement.

“Drax joining the Chamber is a win for the Gloster business community as the community really needs the participation of local businesses to help grow the economic opportunities in Gloster and help support beautification efforts in our community,” said Kevin Cotton, President of the Gloster Chamber of Commerce. “Drax has historically supported our town, and this is another example of their commitment, following their $130,000 donation for a walking track. We are excited to see what we can accomplish together.”

Drax looks forward to leveraging its membership in the Gloster Chamber to strengthen community relationships, exchange ideas and contribute to the collective growth of Gloster’s business ecosystem. Through active involvement in Chamber activities, Drax aims to amplify its impact, drive innovation and create lasting value for the greater Gloster community.

“We are excited to become a part of the vibrant business community represented by the Gloster Chamber of Commerce,” said Matt White, Executive Vice President of North America Operations for Drax. “Collaborating with fellow entrepreneurs and community leaders aligns with our mission to contribute to the prosperity and well-being of our local area.”

An independent, third-party economic analysis reported that Drax could contribute more than $207 million to Mississippi’s economy in 2023 and add more than $80 million to the state’s GDP. The report also noted that 82% of all wages paid to Drax employees living in the state were paid to people living in rural counties, and that more than one-third of Drax wages in Mississippi are paid to employees living in Amite County.

“We’re supporting communities like Gloster by focusing on jobs, skills, education, and nature,” said White. “Sustainable biomass production is a key industry in Mississippi, boosting the economic prospects for rural counties while creating a positive ripple effect that has lured other companies to Gloster.”

To learn more about Drax’s operations and how it is positively impacting Mississippi, visit https://www.drax.com/ms.

Photo caption: Drax team members are joined by members of the Gloster Chamber of Commerce to celebrate their recent partnership.

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 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 partners with Molpus Woodlands to fuel BECCS operations in the Southeast US

31 January 2024

Press releases

Carbon removals and renewable energy company Drax Group has announced a new partnership with Molpus Woodlands Group (Molpus). The agreement will provide Drax with an option to purchase sustainably sourced woody biomass to fuel its bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) operations in the US Southeast. 

Drax will have the option to take up to 1 million green tons per year of sustainably sourced fiber under a long-term fiber supply agreement. This supply will anchor Drax’s BECCS developments in the region, which will generate renewable baseload power to contribute toward US energy independence while permanently removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. 

“The renewable power produced through BECCS will contribute to a more diverse and resilient US power grid, while supporting hundreds of jobs across the US South, particularly in rural communities,” said Arabella Freeman, Senior Vice President of Biomass Strategy at Drax. “The sustainable fiber secured through this agreement with The Molpus Woodlands Group, a leading US forestry company, takes us one step closer to bringing Drax’s BECCS ambitions to life.” 

Sustainably sourced biomass – when paired with carbon capture and storage technology – is the only carbon negative technology that can permanently remove carbon from the atmosphere while simultaneously contributing to the diversity of the power grid. The fiber to be provided through Molpus meets Drax’s high sustainability standards, enabling the production of high-quality carbon dioxide removals (CDR) credits that can be purchased on the voluntary carbon market to help decarbonize other organizations and industries.  

Sustainable fiber is sourced from low-grade roundwood including forest thinnings and residues left over from timber harvesting. Low-grade roundwood is not suitable for sawmilling, and BECCS can provide a valuable new market for this forestry byproduct. 

This partnership with Molpus represents a key milestone toward Drax realizing its intent to become a global leader in carbon removals through the implementation of BECCS technology, with the goal of capturing 6 million metric tonnes of carbon a year in the US.  

Drax’s new and future BECCS projects could also result in hundreds of permanent jobs, with thousands more supported during construction and through the supply chain. Landowners will also be incentivized to practice sustainable forest management to improve the health and resilience of forests for generations to come. 

“Drax shares our passion for responsible forest management and, in bringing BECCS to the Southeastern US, will provide a valuable use for the fiber sourced from sustainable forest management practices, lumber production, and other related industries,” said Terrell Winstead, President and CEO at Molpus. “Together, we look forward to supplying value to the power grid, economy, environment, and local communities throughout the region for years to come.” 

To learn more about BECCS by Drax and our ambition to remove 6 million tons of carbon annually in the United States, visit https://www.drax.com/bioenergy-with-carbon-capture-and-storage-beccs/. 

To learn more about Molpus’ sustainable forestry practices, visit https://www.molpus.com/esg/. 

Media contact:  

Grant Stoker 
Communications Manager 
E: [email protected]
T: 318.376.3358 

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.  

About Molpus Woodlands Group 

The Molpus Woodlands Group, LLC (Molpus), an SEC registered investment adviser, acquires, manages, and sells timberland as an investment vehicle for pension funds, college endowments, foundations, insurance companies, and high-net-worth individual investors. Molpus currently manages over 1.7 million acres of timberland investments in 15 states. It incorporates environmental, social, and governance (ESG) policies and practices into investment analysis and decision-making. It believes its strong ESG initiatives have positive implications for the environment and the future of Molpus. Molpus was founded in 1996 as a timber investment management organization and has a company legacy dating back to 1905. Molpus is one of the oldest timber-related companies in the United States. For more information, visit www.molpus.com. 

Drax to launch new business focused on becoming the global leader in large-scale carbon removals

25 January 2024

Press releases
  • The new business will oversee the development and construction of Drax’s new-build BECCS plants in the US and internationally and work with a coalition of strategic partners to focus on an ambitious goal of removing at least 6Mt of CO2 from the atmosphere annually
  • Senior energy infrastructure expert, Laurie Fitzmaurice, appointed as President for US-headquartered entity
  • New research published today by Foresight Transitions highlights the critical and cost-effective role that BECCS will play in aiding the United States in the delivery of its ambitious decarbonisation targets, as well as the technologies’ potential for job creation and regional economic development
  • Delivery of Drax Power Station BECCS project to continue to be handled by a UK-based team within Drax Group.

Global renewable energy company Drax Group plc has announced that it plans to establish a new independent business unit that will focus on becoming the global leader in delivering large-scale and high-integrity carbon removals.

The recent “global stocktake” at COP28 warned of the need to move faster to tackle the climate emergency. Large-scale carbon removals, including BECCS, are widely regarded by the scientific community as being critical to meeting this challenge. Working with coalition partners, the new business will offer a compelling proposition that combines Drax’s expertise in BECCS with the latest climate science and it will have an ambitious goal to remove at least 6Mt of CO2 from the atmosphere annually.

The business will be operationally separate within the Drax Group and headquartered in Houston in the United States. It will be led by Laurie Fitzmaurice, a senior energy infrastructure expert, who has nearly 30 years of experience in business development around the world, most recently for Amazon Web Services. Drax intends to formally launch this new entity in the United States later this year and Laurie will be supported by a highly skilled management team with a track record of success in tackling climate change through the development and delivery of innovative technologies.

Laurie and her team will take ownership for delivering the Group’s strategy for BECCS in the US and internationally as set by the board of Drax Group plc. It will have day-to-day responsibility for project execution including project development, delivery and marketing and sales of CDR credits and power and deployment of the Group’s multi-billion-dollar global BECCS capex programme. Laurie will also use her experience to collaborate with strategic partners drawn from the scientific, academic, consulting, investment and construction communities, in addition to civil society, so as to accelerate the global deployment of carbon dioxide removals technology.

In the UK, Drax’s plans for installing BECCS onto its Power Station in Yorkshire and its transformation into the world’s largest carbon removals facility have recently been granted planning approval by the UK Government. The Government has also recently recognised the important role which biomass can play in delivering the UK’s plans for Net Zero as well as supporting energy security. The delivery of this project will continue to be handled by a UK-based team within Drax Group.

New research published today by Foresight Transitions, a specialised consultancy led by a team from Imperial College, London, concludes that BECCS is necessary to help the United States achieve its ambitious decarbonisation scenarios, deliver a zero-carbon power system by 2035 and become net-negative by 2050. The report also highlights how deploying BECCS will not only enable deep emissions reductions but also has the potential to create thousands of jobs across multiple industries. The study concludes that the integration of BECCS is a cost-effective solution, outweighing other technologies, whilst strengthening system reliability across the three major regional grids in the U.S. (CAISO, MISO, and ERCOT) and reducing interconnection delays.

Laurie Fitzmaurice, said:

Laurie Fitzmaurice

“I am delighted to have been asked to lead Drax’s new US-based business at such a crucial point in the growth of the carbon removals industry. We have enormous potential to play a significant role in tackling climate change and improving the lives of millions of people across the world.

“By working with a coalition of partners, together we can accelerate the rate at which we are able to scale carbon removals and I encourage stakeholders who are keen to deliver on this ambition to work with us.”

Drax Group CEO, Will Gardiner, said:

Will Gardiner, Drax Group CEO

“The creation of this business brings to life years of hard work by many outstanding people across our Group and marks another step in Drax’s journey to enable a zero-carbon, lower-cost energy future. Our recent success is grounded in providing secure, renewable energy and our future is focused on playing a critical role in tackling climate change through the generation of secure, renewable power and the large-scale removal of carbon dioxide.

“I am excited to welcome Laurie as President of our new US-headquartered carbon removals business and look forward to working with her. We have a limited window of opportunity to capitalise on our first mover advantage and I am confident that the time is right for this approach.

“The new entity will bring focus and will scale the company’s ability to deliver carbon removals to organisations looking to reduce their carbon footprints. Delivering the ambitious targets will see the new entity become a leader in the growing carbon trading market.”

Professor Niall McDowell, author of the Foresight Transitions research, said:

“This study set out to quantify the role and value of BECCS in the context of decarbonising a variety of power systems in the USA. We consistently observed that BECCS provided substantial value through the cost-effective removal of CO2 from the atmosphere and also the baseload generation of renewable energy – a complement to other forms of renewable energy.”

Addressing the issue of climate change requires the widespread adoption of carbon removal technologies. The United Nation’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has projected that the world will need to remove between 0.5 and 9.5 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide annually via BECCS by 2050 to stay on course to limit global warming to the crucial 1.5°C target.

Last year’s COP28 conference proved to be another pivotal moment for global climate action with much of the discussion in Dubai focused on the critical need to accelerate the deployment of carbon dioxide removals. At this year’s World Economic Forum in Davos, the world’s attention was again focused on carbon removals and the announcement of our new company comes at an important moment in the collective fight against climate change.

Governments around the world have been increasingly adopting policies which are supportive of carbon dioxide removals and BECCS, including through the Inflation Reduction Act in the United States, Europe’s Renewable Energy Directive and the UK’s ‘Powering Up Britain’ energy security and Net Zero strategy and Biomass Strategy.

Analysis undertaken by consultancy FTI for Drax found that 92% of key decision-makers in sustainability and procurement roles in the US agree that carbon removals could have significant or moderate impact on combating climate change, and 69% believe it’s very important for U.S. companies to invest in low or negative emission technologies like carbon removal technologies.

The engineered carbon removals market has continued to grow exponentially over the last 12 months with 4.5Mt purchased in 2023 – a sixfold increase from last year, according to cdr.fyi. However, the total amount sold to date represents only 0.05% of the IPCC annual goal.

The role and value of BECCS in the USA

Read the Summary report here

Read the Full report here

ENDS

Media contacts:

Chris Mostyn, Group Head of Media Relations
E: [email protected]
T: 07548 838896

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

Drax donates £112,000 globally to support foodbanks over Christmas

21 December 2023

Press releases

The foodbanks receiving this support serve communities close to Drax sites in England, Scotland, Canada and the USA, providing essential supplies to hundreds of people in these countries who are struggling with the cost of living.

Shona King, Drax Group Head of Community, said:

“Drax has a long history of charitable giving and supporting the communities where we operate. We are on track to donate nearly £3m to good causes during 2023.

“Christmas can be a challenging time of year for individuals and families and it is important that companies do what they can to help people. We hope that these donations will provide much needed support to foodbanks across England, Scotland, Canada and the USA to meet the demand for their services.”

USA

A combined total of £21,000 or $25,000 (USD) has been donated to foodbanks near Drax sites in the USA including:

  • Louisiana:
    • Food Bank of Northeast LA close to both Drax’s Monroe office and Morehouse Pellet Plant
    • Food Bank of Central LA near to LaSalle Pellet Plant
  • Mississippi:
    • Amite River Baptist Association Food Pantry near to Amite Pellet Plant
  • Alabama:
    • West Alabama Food Bank close to Aliceville Pellet Plant
    • Demopolis Food Pantry near to Demopolis Pellet Plant
  • Arkansas:
    • Mainstreet Mission Food Pantry by Russellville Pellet Plant
    • Kathy’s Closet and Food Pantry near to Leola Pellet Plant

“The Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana is grateful for the opportunity to partner with Drax Biomass to provide more nutritious food to our neighbors who face hunger,” said Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana Executive director Jean Toth. “Thanks to both financial and volunteer support from Drax Biomass, together we are creating a stronger, healthier community.”

England

A combined total of £32,000 has been donated to foodbanks near Drax sites in England including:

  • Bow Food Bank near to Drax’s London head office
  • 2 Rivers Community Pantry and Selby Community Fridge close to Drax Power Station in North Yorkshire
  • The Hope Centre, Kettering District Foodbank and Weston Favel Centre near Opus Energy in Northampton
  • BME Support, St Matthews Church Top Up Shop, Love Ipswich and All Hallows Top Up Shop near to Drax Energy Solutions (DES) in Ipswich

Additionally, nearly 300 festive hampers have been prepared by DES colleagues to be distributed by Love Ipswich to vulnerable people.

Chris Hailey-Norris, Chief Executive of Up for Yorkshire, said:

“Thank you so much for the generous donation from Drax. The funding will enable us to top up the Community Fridge with essential additional food items on a weekly basis.

“The Community Fridge is a lifeline to so many families across Selby District, and a wonderful opportunity to connect people with the other support and services we can provide. Your support means so much to our organisation.”

Scotland

A combined total of £20,000 has been donated to foodbanks near Drax sites in Scotland including:

  • Hope Kitchen Oban near to Cruachan Power Station
  • View Park Food Bank close to Daldowie Fuel Plant
  • Clydesdale Food Bank by Lanark Hydro Scheme
  • Stepping Stones by Galloway Hydro Scheme

Catriona Petit, Service Manager at Hope Kitchen Oban, said:

“It was a welcome surprise to receive this money. People we support are finding it particularly difficult this year with the cost of living crisis and so having money that we can use to provide people with food, activities and places to meet and get involved is invaluable.”

Canada

A combined total of £39,000 or $65,000 (CAD) has been donated to foodbanks near Drax sites in Canada including:

  • Boys and Girls Club Okanagan Armstrong Food Bank by Armstrong Pellet Mill
  • Lake District Family Enhancement Society near to Burns Lake Pellet Mill
  • WEE Community Food Bank close to Entwistle Pellet Mill
  • High Level Native Friendship Centre near High Level Pellet Mill
  • Lumby Food Bank near to Lavington Pellet Mill
  • Nourish Food Bank close to Meadowbank Pellet Mill
  • Salvation Army close to Drax’s Prince George office
  • Princeton Food Bank near to Princeton Pellet Mill
  • Salvation Army Bulkley Valley close to Smithers Pellet Mill
  • Greater Vancouver Food Bank by Drax’s Vancouver office
  • Salvation Army Prince Rupert near to Westview Wood Pellet Terminal
  • Salvation Army Williams Lake close to Williams Lake Pellet Plant

Tamara Robinson, Director of Family Services and Community Outreach at Salvation Army Williams Lake, said:

“On behalf of The Salvation Army Williams Lake I deeply thank Drax for their incredible generosity to our community, supporting us as we serve those in need. It’s because of caring hearts like yours that we are able serve in the capacity we do.”

ENDS

Media contacts:

Andy Low
Media Manager
E: [email protected] 
T: 07841 068 415

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 energy.drax.com

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