Archives: Press Release

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

Structuring the Drax Group for growth

3 February 2026

News

As the global business and energy landscape continues to develop, we’re evolving our strategy to ensure we’re building a strong, resilient business for the future.

The recent signing of the low-carbon dispatchable CfD agreement is recognition of the important role that Drax Power Station will continue to play for UK energy security into the 2030s.

Moving forwards, we’re focused on driving growth in our flexible generation business, creating new options and opportunities at Drax Power Station beyond 2031, and advancing future uses of sustainable biomass.

To help realise these opportunities, we’re adapting our organisational structure.

As a part of that process, we are commencing a consultation process in the UK, and will be briefing colleagues in North America on changes that could result in a reduction of more than 350 roles across the Drax Group. We believe these changes are key to our long-term success and our continued commitment to deliver UK energy security and to support the energy transition.

This is in no way a reflection of the professionalism, passion and commitment that our colleagues have shown. We will support our colleagues as we develop these proposals and work closely with our unions and elected employee representatives as we implement them.

Skillz CIC and Drax Foundation support Year 9 students through new mentoring programme

27 January 2026

News

Skillz CIC, a Selby-based community interest company, has launched a new mentoring programme funded by the Drax Foundation aimed at helping young people build confidence, develop vital employability skills and feel better prepared as they begin to explore their future pathways.

The programme is being delivered in partnership with Selby High School, Goole Academy and Sherburn High School, supporting Year 9 students identified by their schools as those who would benefit from additional guidance at this key stage in their education.

The ten-week programme consists of ten interactive, one-hour sessions covering a wide range of personal and professional development topics. These include CV writing, interview skills, exploring career and education pathways, resilience, emotional wellbeing and building self-belief. Together, the sessions are designed to help students feel more confident, capable and supported as they start thinking about life beyond school.

Anna Thomas, who is Head of Workplace and the Drax Power Station Estate, took part in the mentoring programme alongside her role as an Education Ambassador for the Drax Community team.

“I would definitely recommend the programme to anyone thinking of becoming a mentor. It’s challenging, fun and you can definitely see the difference with the kids as they progress through the programme. I’m proud to have been a small part of the whole process”, she said.

A total of 17 Drax Education Ambassadors have volunteered their time to support the programme, offering students first-hand insight into the world of work. By sharing their own experiences and career journeys, the ambassadors provide relatable role models and practical guidance across a variety of sectors.

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.”

Nick Robinson, Drax Community Manager, said:

“We know that early intervention and positive role models can make a huge difference to young people’s lives. Our Education Ambassadors have been incredibly committed, bringing real-world experience into the classroom and helping students see what’s possible for them. It’s inspiring to see the impact this programme is already having, and we’re proud to support Skillz CIC in expanding it even further.”

Following the success of the initial cohort, a Spring programme is already planned. With even more Drax Education Ambassadors expected to take part, Skillz CIC aims to reach and support a greater number of young people across the local area, continuing to build confidence, aspiration and opportunity within the community.

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 launches new Biomass Tracker to boost transparency across biomass supply chain

26 January 2026

News

Drax has today launched its Biomass Tracker, a new digital tool that provides greater visibility into the journey our woody biomass takes through the company’s global supply chain.

The interactive tool shows the countries and states where Drax sources its biomass, the types of fibre used in Drax’s own woody biomass, how it is transported, and the carbon associated with each stage of its journey to Drax Power Station or to third-party customers. It also includes data on independent sustainability certifications, helping to strengthen accountability across the sector.

The Biomass Tracker uses quarterly real-world data presented through an interactive Sankey diagram, allowing users to explore each stage of the supply chain from fibre origin (for Drax-own pellets), pelletising to transport, storage and use.

Miguel Veiga-Pestana, Chief Sustainability Officer at Drax, said:

“The Biomass Tracker is another important step for Drax in delivering on our Sustainability Framework commitments.

“Transparency and data-led reporting are essential to building trust and confidence in sustainable biomass. By showing where our biomass comes from and how it moves through our supply chain, we are showing through openness and accountability, that biomass can be sustainably sourced, to support the UK’s energy security.”

The launch of the Biomass Tracker supports the commitments set out in Drax’s Sustainability Framework, introduced in February 2025. It advances the company’s focus on enhancing transparency, harnessing data and digital innovation to strengthen sustainability reporting, and demonstrating responsible sourcing across the biomass supply chain. By visualising how and where biomass is produced, transported and used, the tool brings greater clarity to the complex systems that underpin sustainable renewable energy.

The tool is now available to access on the Drax website and new data, options and functionality will be added where possible with further updates, underlining Drax’s commitment to continuous improvement and best practice in sustainability.

ENDS

Media contacts:

Kieran Wilson
E: [email protected] 
T: 07729 092807

Editor notes

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.

Our future

Drax is progressing options for carbon removals using bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) technology globally and at our UK biomass power station. We are progressing plans to develop 7 million tonnes of carbon removals through BECCS by 2030.

In 2024, we launched Elimini, a US-based company to lead our global efforts to deliver carbon removals at scale. Elimini’s purpose is to remove carbon for good. To achieve this, it is convening engineers, environmentalists, communities, investors, and innovators to scale the market for carbon removals, with the aspiration of transforming our economies from carbon emitters to carbon removers. For more information, visit elimini.com.