A message from Will Gardiner, Drax CEO – May 2025:
“There is more than one way to get to net zero.
It is going to take all technologies at our disposal to get there, including Drax Power Station, the UK’s largest, and a key provider of energy security.
Drax is a critical part of the UK energy system, providing low carbon, flexible power and we’re proud of our role in keeping the lights on for millions of homes and businesses when the sun doesn’t shine and the wind doesn’t blow.
Recent accusations made against us, and the protest activity at our AGM, have created an extreme environment, where rhetoric is heated and inaccurate claims are promoted
This threatens UK energy security and the thousands of jobs throughout our supply chain that depend on Drax Power Station.
As a result, its not possible to have a balanced, civil and open debate.
I, along with the Board and the executive team at Drax are clear; we are committed to engaging with all stakeholders, including those that have concerns about, and are opposed to our industry and our operations.
We have been listening, and that is why we published a new Sustainability Framework with 26-time bound targets, in addition to a new Biomass Sourcing Policy and Climate Transition Plan.
These steps are fundamental to the growth and evolution of our business and aim to have a positive impact on the communities we work in, the forests we source from, and the planet and climate that we all want to protect.
As part of that, we have invested around $130 million in our operations in North America, including reducing emissions and improving air quality.
We’re partnering with the communities we operate in, seeking to make a positive contribution to their lives and livelihoods.
We recognise that some people have concerns about our operations and we’re listening to these. We are determined to learn from them by taking positive action to provide greater transparency about our plans, processes and operations.
We understand that we need to do more to demonstrate that the biomass we use is genuinely sustainable and that we are taking the necessary steps to operate our business responsibly.
But, I am clear that our positive action will make a difference. We want to engage in meaningful discussion about biomass, about energy security, and the future of our industry.
We all want to make the world a better place today and in the future.
So I urge those who oppose us to join us in dialogue – our door is always open, to civil and constructive discussion.
Thank you.”
