Drax cooling tower shines bright on National Day of Reflection for COVID anniversary

The UK’s largest power station will light up one of its 12 cooling towers as part of a national day of reflection, marking a year since the first Covid lockdown started.

Employees from across Drax’s UK sites will take part in a minute’s silence, to remember the 143,000 people that have lost their lives across the country since the first lockdown began on March 23 last year.

Bruce Heppenstall, Drax Plant Director said:

“This day of reflection will allow everyone to remember those who have died since the pandemic started – bringing people together to pause, reflect and support each other.

“We have been in awe of the NHS and other carers and key workers who have done so much to help those who have suffered as a result of this disease and to keep the country going.

“Our own key workers at Drax have worked tirelessly, round the clock, to continue generating the renewable electricity we all rely on. Lighting up one of our cooling towers will, I hope, be a beacon of hope to the Yorkshire region.”

This isn’t the first time Drax has used its 114m tall cooling towers to show its support during the pandemic. Last year one of its cooling towers shone blue each Thursday as part of the national ‘Clap for Carers’ initiative which recognised the work of the NHS and other carers during the first wave of the pandemic.

There will be a minute’s silence at mid-day on Tuesday March 23 as part of the national day of reflection. Drax’s cooling tower will be lit up from 8pm to midnight that evening.

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