Archives: Press Release

Ultra Yorkshire makes first transatlantic voyage delivering biomass pellets to support UK energy security

21 April 2026

News
  • Vessel was powered by B100 biofuel from Baton Rouge to Port of Liverpool – reducing the journey’s CO2 emissions by around 90%
  • Drax has concluded a new contract with Ultrabulk to March 2031 which contains commitments to lower transport emissions each year

The M.V. Ultra Yorkshire, a Handymax carrier, which was launched and named as part of Drax Power Station’s 50th anniversary celebrations, docked for the first time in the UK.

The vessel is operated by Ultrabulk, a leading global dry bulk business and a long-term partner of Drax Group.

It arrived at the Port of Liverpool in recent weeks, completing its first transatlantic voyage, with a cargo of over 29,000 tonnes of biomass pellets for rail transport to Drax Power Station.

The Selby power station is an important part of UK energy security; it uses biomass pellets to generate renewable power and in 2025 supplied about 5% of the country’s electricity.

Drax Group, the owners of Drax Power Station, is committed to reaching net zero across its value chain by 2040 including by reducing its supply chain emissions, like those from shipping and transportation. In 2024 and 2025, Drax signed agreements for all GB Railfreight and DB Cargo trains to Drax Power Station to run using hydro-treated vegetable oil (HVO) – estimated to reduce rail freight emissions by 90%.

The Ultra Yorkshire’s journey from the Port of Greater Baton Rouge to the Port of Liverpool, which is owned by Peel Ports Group, was powered by B100 biofuel. Compared to standard maritime fuels, like VLSFO or ULSGO, this meant the vessel emitted around 90% less CO2 over the course of the journey.

Drax has recently signed a new contract with Ultrabulk through to March 2031. The new deal includes a mechanism, possibly one of the first of its kind, to reduce carbon emissions year on year over the course of the agreement from sea freight journeys.

Mark Gibbens, Head of Logistics at Drax Group, said: “We were delighted to welcome the Ultra Yorkshire to the Port of Liverpool on its maiden transatlantic voyage. Ultrabulk is one of our long-standing supply chain partners and they play a critical role in ensuring that Drax Power Station can keep the lights on for millions of homes and businesses across the UK, no matter the weather.

“Our new contract with Ultrabulk shows that we are taking action to decarbonise our supply chain and we are proud that M.V. Ultra Yorkshire was able to complete the journey from Baton Rouge to the Port of Liverpool using biofuel to significantly reduce its impact on the environment.”

Hans-Christian Olesen, CEO of Ultrabulk, said: “Our team is incredibly proud that Drax have chosen to continue their contract with Ultrabulk. Over the years, Drax has proven to be on the cutting edge of environmental transition.

“We have a strong partnership with Drax and we continue working on new ideas with them to transform supply chains. The first B100 transatlantic transport of biomass for both Drax and Ultrabulk, on our own M.V. Ultra Yorkshire, is a great example of this. We are looking forward to jointly keep pushing the boundaries for what is possible in decarbonisation.”

Phil Hall, Mersey Port Director at Peel Ports Group, said: “It’s a proud moment to have welcomed such an impressive vessel to the Port of Liverpool on her first UK visit

“This voyage demonstrates the impact of collaboration in reducing emissions, with the use of B100 biofuel delivering a significant reduction in CO2 emissions on the journey.

“At Peel Ports Group, we are committed to helping our customers achieve more sustainable operations and initiatives like this highlight the positive impact that such partnerships can have across the supply chain.”

ENDS

Notes to editors:

Additional drone photos and video of Ultra Yorkshire docked at the Port of Liverpool are available on request.

Media contacts:

Andy Low
E: [email protected]
T: 07841 068415

About Drax

Drax’s purpose is to enable a zero carbon, lower cost energy future. Our strategic aims are to be a global leader in both carbon removals and sustainable biomass pellet production, and to be a UK leader in dispatchable, renewable generation.

Our operations

Drax owns and operates a portfolio of flexible, low-carbon and renewable UK power assets – biomass, hydro, and pumped storage generation – which provide dispatchable power and system support services to the electricity grid.

We are the UK’s largest source of renewable power by output, and Drax Power Station is the UK’s largest single source of renewable electricity by output.

Through our pellet production facilities in North America, Drax is a leading integrated producer of sustainable biomass. Drax has 18 operational and development pellet production sites which will have a nameplate capacity of around 5.4 million tonnes once expansions are complete.

Drax supplies renewable electricity to UK industrial and commercial customers, offering a range of energy-related services including energy optimisation, as well as electric vehicle strategy and management.

About Ultrabulk

Ultrabulk is a leading global dry bulk operator, offering a broad range of shipping services to accommodate customers needs in the Panamax, Supramax and Handysize segments as well as specialized services.

Ultrabulk A/S Denmark is a subsidiary of Ultranav, a privately owned group of shipping companies for over six decades, headquartered in Chile and operating globally with offices in 20 countries.

About Peel Ports Group  

Peel Ports Group is the UK’s second largest port operator, owning and operating six of the UK’s most important ports (Liverpool, Heysham, Manchester Ship Canal, Medway (Sheerness / Chatham), Clydeport and East Anglia). It also operates a container terminal in Dublin and owns BG Freight Line, which provides short sea container services between the UK, Ireland and mainland Europe and Peel Ports Logistics, one of the UK’s leading shipping and freight forwarders.

Peel Ports handles approximately 70 million tonnes of cargo every year. 14% of the total UK major ports traffic flows through ports operated by the Group. Headquartered in Liverpool, it employs around 2,000 staff.

www.peelports.com

Drax Foundation funding to support over 118,000 people and drive community impact across UK, US and Canada

14 April 2026

News

Drax Foundation, the charitable arm of renewable energy company Drax, has published its Social Impact Report 2025, revealing a £3.1 million investment in communities and non-profit organisations, supporting more than 118,000 people across the UK, United States and Canada.

Working with 251 non-profit organisations and community groups, Drax Foundation funding is helping to deliver practical support for households, create opportunities for young people, and improve local environments in the communities where it operates.

Shona King, Head of Social Impact at Drax said: “Our work in 2025 shows the difference strong partnerships can make in local communities. By working closely with organisations at a grassroots level, we’re helping people build skills, reduce energy costs and access nature – delivering meaningful support where it is needed most.

“We’re proud to have supported over 118,000 people and remain committed to partnering with organisations who create a lasting and positive social impact.”

Key achievements from 2025 include:

  • Supporting over 118,000 beneficiaries through funded programmes
  • Delivering £3.1 million in charitable giving
  • Funding 251 non-profit organisations and community groups
  • Reaching 45,000 people through more than 1,000 community engagement activities

Tackling energy costs and fuel poverty

With energy affordability remaining a critical issue across the globe, Drax Foundation supported programmes have delivered significant cost savings and support:

  • Schools achieved an average 64% reduction in electricity bills
  • Around £1 million in energy costs was saved across participating schools
  • 1,156 households have been supported with fuel poverty services

Dr Claudia Towner, CEO of Energy Sparks, said: “The ongoing funding from the Drax Foundation will allow participating schools to embed energy saving behaviours across their school communities and provide more opportunities for children and young people to develop green skills.”

Drax also partnered with the Fuel Bank Foundation in 2025, to support families in crisis, helping more than 1,100 households access emergency fuel vouchers and advice, with many reporting improved wellbeing.

Matthew Cole, CEO of the Fuel Bank Foundation, said: “The emergency fuel vouchers create the breathing space that the advice provided by Fuel Bank can be acted upon and, where appropriate, we will also offer an onward referral for additional support.”

Investing in future skills and education

The Drax Foundation has continued to invest in future talent and skills development through partnerships with organisations, including Teach First and community programmes in the UK and North America:

  • 28,140 children participated in STEM education programmes
  • 2,260 adults engaged in skills and employability initiatives
  • 155 in-school STEM sessions delivered by employees

In the US, Drax Foundation funding supported Southern University in Louisiana, helping to expand access to STEM learning and urban forestry programmes for students from underrepresented communities.

Robert Easly Jr., Director of Advancement at the Southern University Ag Centre, said: “This funding reinforced a critical message: agriculture is more than just farming, it is innovation, sustainability and leadership for the future.”

In North Yorkshire, near to Drax Power Station, Foundation funding has directly supported employability workshops through SKILLZ, a local organisation who help to build confidence and career readiness for young people.

Kirsty Copley, Company Director at SKILLZ, said: “Support from the Drax Foundation enabled us to run our first 10-week employability group mentoring programme… young people developed employability and soft skills, including teamwork, problem-solving, confidence, job searching, CV writing and interview skills.”

Driving environmental and nature-based outcomes

Drax Foundation supported projects also delivered significant environmental impact across its regions.

In Yorkshire, Drax partnered with the Canal & River Trust to tackle invasive species along the Selby Canal, funding volunteer programmes and specialist removal work.

Sean McGinley, Regional Director at the Canal & River Trust, said: “This funding has enabled us to bring in a specialist team and equipment earlier than usual – stopping the weed before it took hold – and to purchase a floating pontoon, enabling safe access to hard-to-reach areas.”

In another UK conservation initiative, Drax supported the reintroduction of 74 endangered corncrakes in the Lower Derwent Valley, helping restore biodiversity in one of the country’s most important grassland habitats.

Across all nature-based programmes:

  • 34,862 people engaged in nature-based learning
  • 15,000 people gained improved access to green spaces

ENDS++

Read the full Drax Foundation Social Impact Report here

Notes to editors

  • The Drax Foundation Social Impact Report outlines Drax’s community investment and impact across the UK, US and Canada.
  • All 2025 impact figures are projected based on programme data, and will be independently verified in 2026.

Media contacts:

Kieran Wilson
E: [email protected] 
T: 07729092807

About Drax

Drax’s purpose is to enable a zero carbon, lower cost energy future. Our strategic aims are to be a global leader in both carbon removals and sustainable biomass pellet production, and to be a UK leader in dispatchable, renewable generation.

Our operations

Drax owns and operates a portfolio of flexible, low-carbon and renewable UK power assets – biomass, hydro, and pumped storage generation – which provide dispatchable power and system support services to the electricity grid.

We are the UK’s largest source of renewable power by output, and Drax Power Station is the UK’s largest single source of renewable electricity by output.

Through our pellet production facilities in North America, Drax is a leading integrated producer of sustainable biomass. Drax has 18 operational and development pellet production sites which will have a nameplate capacity of around 5.4 million tonnes once expansions are complete.

Drax supplies renewable electricity to UK industrial and commercial customers, offering a range of energy-related services including energy optimisation, as well as electric vehicle strategy and management.

Local families enjoy an eggs-cellent time at Skylark Nature Reserve

8 April 2026

News

Organised by Drax’s Community and Education team, the event welcomed more than 300 attendees and offered a range of hands-on activities designed to connect visitors with the natural environment while promoting sustainable practices.

Visitors of all ages took part in interactive sustainability workshops, including making biodegradable plant pots from recycled newspaper, encouraging environmentally friendly gardening habits. Young explorers also enjoyed the “Notice Nature” orienteering challenge, which combined physical activity with environmental learning as participants navigated the reserve’s diverse habitats to answer nature-based questions.

Seasonal highlights included a woodland walk Easter quiz, guiding families through the reserve while engaging them with local flora and fauna, as well as a giant marble run challenge that introduced STEM concepts in a fun and accessible way.

The event also raised £146 in support of the Yorkshire Swan and Wildlife Rescue Hospital through voluntary donations and proceeds from the on-site café, reinforcing Drax’s commitment to supporting local causes.

Nick Robinson, Community & Education Manager at Drax, said:

“We were delighted to welcome so many families to the Skylark Centre for this year’s spring event. It’s a great example of how we can bring communities together while encouraging people of all ages to engage with nature and think about sustainability in a practical, hands-on way. Supporting local organisations like the Yorkshire Swan and Wildlife Rescue Hospital is also an important part of being a good neighbour, and we’re pleased the event could contribute to that.”

The Spring at the Skylark Centre event highlights Drax’s ongoing commitment to community engagement and environmental education, providing opportunities for local residents to connect with nature while learning more about sustainability.

ENDS

Media contacts:

Kieran Wilson
E: [email protected] 
T: 07729092807

About Drax

Drax’s purpose is to enable a zero carbon, lower cost energy future. Our strategic aims are to be a global leader in both carbon removals and sustainable biomass pellet production, and to be a UK leader in dispatchable, renewable generation.

Our operations

Drax owns and operates a portfolio of flexible, low-carbon and renewable UK power assets – biomass, hydro, and pumped storage generation – which provide dispatchable power and system support services to the electricity grid.

We are the UK’s largest source of renewable power by output, and Drax Power Station is the UK’s largest single source of renewable electricity by output.

Through our pellet production facilities in North America, Drax is a leading integrated producer of sustainable biomass. Drax has 18 operational and development pellet production sites which will have a nameplate capacity of around 5.4 million tonnes once expansions are complete.

Drax supplies renewable electricity to UK industrial and commercial customers, offering a range of energy-related services including energy optimisation, as well as electric vehicle strategy and management.

Drax completes acquisition of AI-enabled asset optimisation platform

1 April 2026

News

Drax is pleased to announce it has completed the acquisition of Flexitricity Limited (“Flexitricity”), a UK-based optimiser of flexible energy assets, from Quinbrook.

Founded in 2004, Flexitricity provides optimisation and route-to-market services to owners of flexible energy assets, via its proprietary controls platform, enabling their participation in the wholesale energy, balancing and ancillary services markets. Flexitricity provides both front-of and behind-the-meter solutions for grid scale assets as well as demand response services to over 900MW of operational assets, primarily battery energy storage systems (BESS), gas peakers, renewables and demand-side response.

Flexitricity’s scalable platform is expected to support Drax’s plans to develop a gigawatt-scale pipeline of BESS opportunities comprised of physical assets and the capability to optimise third-party assets with the provision of route to market, floor and tolling structures. Drax already provides a route to market for c.2,000 embedded third-party renewable assets with capacity of c.800MW via its Drax Energy Solutions business.

Drax Group Chief Commercial Officer, Paul Sheffield, said: “This is an exciting moment for both Drax and Flexitricity as we bring two great teams together. The completion of the acquisition provides Drax with AI-enabled optimisation capabilities that will enhance how we manage and monetise flexible generation and storage assets.

“As we continue to develop our gigawatt-scale pipeline of BESS opportunities, alongside our other flexible generation assets, we can enhance our system support, further strengthen security of supply and deliver 24/7 renewable power to our customers.

“We will continue to explore options to invest in flexible and renewable energy, creating value for stakeholders and attractive returns for shareholders in line with our capital allocation policy.”

ENDS

New partnership launches to connect Selby communities

30 March 2026

News

Selby Connected is a brand-new strategic partnership led by Up for Yorkshire and energy company Drax – to form a network of organisations from the private, public and voluntary sectors, working together to address the underlying challenges facing residents in Selby and surrounding villages.

Research conducted by Up for Yorkshire, found that fewer than one in three Selby residents know where to access financial advice and support, despite a wide range of services already existing locally.

Chris Hailey-Norris, Up for Yorkshire’s Chief Executive spoke about the need for collaboration between business and community groups following the initiatives launch, “What an event! Selby Connected is all about joining things up, using the collective reach of businesses and community organisations to make a practical difference, making information and resources easier to access.”

Analysis also found that lack of awareness of support is one of the most common barriers residents face, affecting access to employment, financial advice, health services and community provision. Only 27.7% of residents said they knew where to access financial advice, while awareness of specialist employment support such as skills training and work experience opportunities was below 25%.

At the same time, wider structural challenges continue to limit access to opportunity. More than 86% of the local area ranks among the most geographically disadvantaged in England for access to services, while residents report difficulty finding suitable local job opportunities despite rating their own skills positively.

Shona King, Head of Social Impact at Drax said: 

“As a major employer in the region, we see first-hand both the strengths of this community and the challenges people face. Selby Connected brings organisations together to take a more coordinated, long-term approach, helping ensure that opportunities and support are easier to access for everyone.”

Selby Connected will focus on addressing these core issues by improving how information is shared, strengthening links between organisations, and making it easier for residents to connect with existing opportunities and support. This will include working directly with schools, colleges and community groups, promoting existing programmes, and launching pilot projects developed by the partnership.

The initiative will serve Selby and surrounding villages including Barlby, Barlow and Camblesforth, with a focus on creating long-term impact through collaboration rather than short-term interventions.

With more than 40% of residents saying businesses should play a bigger role in improving quality of life locally, Selby Connected aims to build a lasting, community-driven movement that connects people with the support, opportunities and services they need.

ENDS

Media contacts:

Kieran Wilson
E: [email protected]
T: 07729092807

About Drax

Drax’s purpose is to enable a zero carbon, lower cost energy future. Our strategic aims are to be a global leader in both carbon removals and sustainable biomass pellet production, and to be a UK leader in dispatchable, renewable generation.

Our operations

Drax owns and operates a portfolio of flexible, low-carbon and renewable UK power assets – biomass, hydro, and pumped storage generation – which provide dispatchable power and system support services to the electricity grid.

We are the UK’s largest source of renewable power by output, and Drax Power Station is the UK’s largest single source of renewable electricity by output.

Through our pellet production facilities in North America, Drax is a leading integrated producer of sustainable biomass. Drax has 18 operational and development pellet production sites which will have a nameplate capacity of around 5.4 million tonnes once expansions are complete.

Drax supplies renewable electricity to UK industrial and commercial customers, offering a range of energy-related services including energy optimisation, as well as electric vehicle strategy and management.

 

Empowering the next generation: Queens of Tomorrow

26 March 2026

Opinion

By Elisha Wilkinson, President & Founder, Queens of Tomorrow

When I was a young girl, I often wondered what I would become when I grew up. I’ve always had the heart and desire to serve but didn’t always have the opportunity. As I grew older, I realized that I wasn’t alone. In communities across the country, the need for strong, confident, and compassionate young leaders has never been greater. But leaders aren’t born; they’re developed. Kindness and compassion are taught and cultivated. Our young people often need guidance and support. That’s why I founded Queens of Tomorrow.

My favorite scripture is Proverbs 27:17 “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Queens of Tomorrow is a mentorship program in Ouachita Parish that serves 50 girls from first through twelfth grade. We emphasize character development, academic growth, mental health awareness, physical wellness, and meaningful community service. We live in an age where children are glued to their devices, often developing unrealistic beauty standards and a negative self-image. At Queens of Tomorrow, we pull the girls away from the screens and into service. Each year, the girls complete hundreds of service hours while being nurtured academically, socially, and emotionally.

At its core, Queens of Tomorrow is built on a simple but powerful idea: when young girls are supported, guided, and inspired, they grow into women who shape the world around them. What sets this organization apart is its strong emphasis on community engagement and civic mindedness. Girls are not only encouraged to succeed individually, but also to understand their role within the larger community. Through our annual volunteer initiatives, service projects, and local partnerships, these girls learn the importance of giving back and making a felt difference in the lives of others.

With continued support from the Drax Community Fund, and the support of others, we’re able to fulfill our mission and deliver many important initiatives, including our annual 12 Days of Giving Christmas Outreach, our Breast Cancer Awareness Initiative, and our Back to School Bash, which serves hundreds of children and families annually. Whether it’s organizing food drives, participating in neighborhood cleanups, or supporting local shelters, these young girls experience firsthand the impact of service. More importantly, they begin to see themselves as changemakers: individuals with the power and responsibility to contribute positively to society.

Girls who participate in Queens of Tomorrow often gain more than knowledge; they develop confidence, leadership skills, and a sense of purpose. They learn how to use their voices and how to champion for themselves and others. Queens of Tomorrow fosters a culture of sisterhood, where collaboration is valued over competition.

This work doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It’s through the combined efforts of parents, community members, and volunteers that Queens of Tomorrow can support and nurture these young ladies. And the changes are evident: we’re seeing improved self-esteem, stronger communication skills, and a growing passion for service. In a time when our young people face increasing societal pressures and scrutiny, Queens of Tomorrow is serving as a vital support system. By combining mentorship, service opportunities, and emotional support, we are strengthening our community. Because when girls are empowered to lead, serve, and care, everyone benefits.

New interactive simulation gives young people the chance to become a technician at Cruachan Power Station for the day

10 March 2026

News

Young people and prospective engineers across the UK are being given the opportunity to step into the shoes of an Electrical and Instrumentation (E&I) Technician at Cruachan Power Station, thanks to a new interactive project simulation launched by Drax Group in partnership with Springpod, an online careers exploration platform.

Through the new virtual experience, young people aged 14-19 can see what it takes to be an E&I Technician in the power station’s Electrical, Control and Instrumentation team, responding to a simulated machinery emergency and diagnosing a system fault in a real-world scenario.

Delivered through Springpod’s online platform, the self-paced simulation challenges participants to assess a situation, decide on immediate next steps and communicate their plan clearly to a Team Leader. Along the way, they gain insight into the technical skills, safety standards and problem-solving mindset required in a live energy environment. The first 300 students to submit their work receive personalised feedback.

Sam Hyams, CEO of Springpod, said:

“We’re proud to partner with Drax in the launch of their Springpod Microsite, a dedicated hub for their virtual work experience. Through this hub, we’re able to break barriers to learning opportunities within sustainable energy, giving young people insight into Drax’s vast array of projects, and the key role they play in the UK’s journey to net-zero. With this direct entryway to their programme, Drax is making work experience accessible to students across the UK, regardless of location or circumstances. This partnership ensures more young people can see themselves in green careers and take meaningful steps towards their future.”

Lisa Marriott, Early Careers and Development Manager at Drax, said:

“As we mark one year of our partnership with Springpod, we are proud of the impact our virtual work experiences have already had. This new Electrical and Instrumentation Technician simulation gives young people the chance to experience what it is really like to work in the power sector, while building the skills and confidence that will support their future careers in sustainable energy.”

The launch marks one year since Drax partnered with Springpod to deliver virtual work experience opportunities for young people across the UK. Since then, more than 3500 students have enrolled in Drax’s Springpod programmes, with participants spanning every region of the country.

The data also highlights the initiative’s reach among underrepresented groups, including 52% of participants who were from ethnically diverse backgrounds, 23% who were eligible for free school meals and 19% who are the first in their family to consider university. Participants completing the Drax programmes reported a 94% increased awareness of careers in the energy sector, greater confidence in speaking to industry professionals and improved understanding of sustainable engineering solutions.

The new simulation builds on Drax’s commitment to raising awareness of green careers and inspire young people as the UK continues its journey towards net zero.

ENDS

Media contacts:

Kieran Wilson
E: [email protected]
T: 0772909280

Mind the spark gap: Britain risks falling behind in electric transition despite record clean power

18 February 2026

News

The UK is at risk of slipping behind other major economies in the shift to electric heating and transport, as new analysis shows Britain has the widest gap between household electricity and gas prices of any large country.

Figures show that electricity now costs around 4.7 times more per unit than gas for UK households, a significantly higher ratio than in France, the United States or Japan, according to a new report from academics at Imperial College London, commissioned by Drax.

In practical terms, that means it can still cost more to run a highly efficient heat pump in Britain than a conventional gas boiler, despite the electric system using far less energy and producing lower emissions.

“The UK has cleaned up how it generates electricity faster than almost any major economy. Renewables are breaking records and meeting rising demand,” said Dr Iain Staffell, lead author of Electric Insights at Imperial College London

“It’s now a critical moment for our power system. After twenty years of decline, the UK’s electricity demand has grown for two consecutive years,” he added.

Figures from the report show that consumption rose by 1.7 per cent in 2025, driven by surging demand from AI and digital services, plus rapid growth in electric vehicles and heat pumps

Data centres themselves now consume 2.5 percent of Britain’s electricity – more than the city of Birmingham – and their demand is forecast to quadruple by 2030.

At the same time, clean power has reached record levels. Renewables and nuclear power supplied more than three fifths of Britain’s electricity demand in 2025, the highest share on record. Solar output rose by 35 per cent following the sunniest year ever recorded in the UK, with a quarter of a million homes installing panels. Low carbon generation met all the growth in demand and pushed average carbon intensity down to a record 121 grams of CO2 per kilowatt hour.

Despite this progress, the UK’s spark gap – the ratio of electricity to gas prices for consumers – is the highest among 25 large economies.

By contrast, in the Netherlands and Sweden, where electricity costs about 1.5 times the price of gas, households can run heat pumps and electric appliances at a significantly lower cost than gas, providing a financial incentive for switching to cleaner and more efficient technology.

“The next step to cleaning up our heating and transport is to make sure the economics of electrification don’t let down the technology advancements. If electricity remains much more expensive than gas, uptake will naturally be slower than in countries where the price gap is smaller,” said Dr Staffell.

The report highlights that even if oversupply in oil and gas markets eases bills later this year, the relative cost of electricity compared with gas is likely to stay high. This highlights the challenge of meeting growing electricity demand efficiently and the rising importance of flexibility in the power system

Ian Kinnaird, FlexGen Assets Director at Drax, said: “Rising electricity demand will continue to increase pressure on how our system is managed.

“Record renewable generation last year came with significant curtailment costs, highlighting the importance of flexibility alongside clean power. As electric vehicles, heat pumps and data centres drive further growth, assets that can store and dispatch electricity quickly will be essential to keeping the system stable and cost effective. Expanding flexible capacity will help us to ensure more renewable power reaches homes and businesses across the country.”

ENDS

Media contacts:

Kieran Wilson
E: [email protected] 
T: 07729092807

Drax Foundation funding supports over 23,000 people across the UK, U.S. and Canada through education, skills and nature-based projects

12 February 2026

News

The Drax Foundation has approved its latest round of funding, supporting education, skills development, environmental programmes and community resilience initiatives across the UK, the United States and Canada.

Through projects approved for funding in the second half of 2025, the Foundation will support more than 23,000 people, including:

  • 10,522 children gaining access to STEM education
  • 10,214 people engaging in nature-based learning and volunteering programmes
  • 1,701 young people not in education, employment or training (NEET) receiving mentoring support
  • 49 partial scholarships awarded to students at three Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)
  • 560 UK households living in fuel poverty receiving financial support

Shona King, Group Head of Social Impact, said: “At Drax, we believe that targeted funding can make a real and meaningful difference when it’s focused on the needs of communities.

“Through the Drax Foundation and our Community Fund, we’re proud to be supporting projects that widen access to education and skills, protect the natural environment and provide practical help to those who need it most. The impact of this funding helps create opportunities, build confidence and help communities thrive, both now and in the future.”

Alongside the Foundation’s funding, Drax’s Community Fund, which supports the communities where Drax operates, has awarded grants to 74 projects globally in the second half of 2025, including 53 in the UK, 10 in the U.S. and eight in Canada. The funding is expected to benefit 9,946 people, with total Community Fund giving of £209,564 (USD $266,146 – CAD $385,597), supporting a range of local community initiatives across the three regions.

U.S

In the U.S., funding is supporting the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Foundation (LAWFF), whose mission is to enhance public enjoyment and use of the state’s wildlife and fisheries resources. LAWFF works closely with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) to promote youth engagement, environmental education and habitat conservation.

The grant will help revitalize a popular birding trail, wildlife observation tower and welcome kiosk at LDWF’s White Lake Conservation Area, an important site for birdwatching where visitors have documented 236 bird species. The project will also support the development of new educational activity booklets for middle school students across Louisiana, encouraging outdoor recreation while teaching the importance of conservation.

Chuck Jones, LDWF Program Manager for Geaux Play Outdoors at the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, said:

“I am very excited about the grant received from the Drax Foundation. These funds are being utilized to revitalize a very popular birding trail, wildlife observation tower, and welcome kiosk at LDWF’s White Lake Conservation Area.

This grant will also impact the entire state by allowing LDWF to develop new educational activity booklets for middle school students. These will introduce youth to activities like hiking, paddling, camping and birdwatching, while highlighting the importance of Louisiana’s natural resources and key wildlife conservation messages.”

Canada

In Canada, funding is supporting Scientists in School, a national charity dedicated to igniting scientific curiosity in children through hands-on, inquiry-based STEM learning.

Since 1989, Scientists in School has delivered workshops to more than 11 million children aged 4-14, both in classrooms and community settings. The organisation now operates nationally, offering classroom workshops, community programmes delivered through libraries and youth organisations, and family science programmes that bring children and caregivers together to explore STEM. In 2023–24 alone, the charity reached 329,750 children, with numbers expected to increase further in 2024–25.

Cindy Adams, Executive Director of Scientists in School, said:

“Scientists in School provides high-quality hands-on STEM learning in elementary schools, which is shaping the future and building confidence in tomorrow’s innovators in Canada.

These programs are made possible by donations and grants from organizations like the Drax Foundation, that support bettering our communities and students.”

UK

In the UK, funding is supporting SKILLZ CIC, an organisation dedicated to fostering learning, wellbeing and confidence through engaging, play-based workshops delivered in schools and community settings.

SKILLZ provides bespoke mentoring and skills programmes designed to help young people build confidence, improve wellbeing and develop positive attitudes towards their future.

Sam Suttle, Director of SKILLZ CIC, said:

“Thanks to the Drax Foundation’s support, we’ve been able to deliver this mentoring programme directly in schools and completely free of charge.

We’re already seeing positive changes in students’ confidence, behaviour and attitudes towards their future. This programme is about helping young people realise their potential and giving them the tools to take their next steps with confidence.”

ENDS

Media contacts:

Kieran Wilson
E: [email protected]
T: 0772909280