Archives: Press Release

Aldi powers up new EV charging network at UK stores

10 June 2026

News

Aldi shoppers will soon find it even easier to charge their electric cars while they pick up their groceries, thanks to a new partnership with EV charging infrastructure experts Drax Electric Vehicles.

The supermarket has transitioned around 1,200 electric vehicle (EV) chargers at more than 250 stores across the UK over to Drax, giving customers a quick and convenient way to top up during their shop.

New charging facilities have been installed at over 30 stores across the UK, including Aldi’s Diss store in Norfolk, alongside locations in Eastbourne, Durham and Yate near Bristol.

In addition to upgrading its existing charging network, Aldi will also install chargers at around 20 new stores each year as part of its ongoing expansion plans.

All newly built Aldi stores will offer a mix of fast and rapid chargers, with two AC fast chargers supporting four bays up to 22kW and up to two DC rapid chargers supporting four bays up to 160kW at each site – so customers can choose the option that suits their journey.

Charging will be competitively priced at 40p per kWh for fast charging and 62p per kWh for rapid charging. Customers can check availability, view charging costs and pay through the Charge Assist app, or simply use contactless card payment on the newly installed chargers, with no subscription needed.

Jonathan Neale, Managing Director of National Real Estate at Aldi UK, said: “We’re committed to making sustainable choices more accessible for our customers, and we know many are looking for affordable, reliable and convenient ways to charge their cars. By expanding EV charging at more of our stores, we’re helping to make that easier – and offering great-value charging while they shop.”

Adam Hall, Energy Services Director at Drax Electric Vehicles, said: “Aldi’s expansion of EV charge points across its stores demonstrates how rapidly these amenities are becoming integral to the retail sector.

“Drax EVs is proud to have been chosen by Aldi to operate its charge point network and assist with the installation of further charging facilities. By acting now, Aldi is helping cut emissions and ensure its sites are well-equipped to service the needs of the growing community of EV drivers in the years to come.”

The expansion reinforces Aldi’s long-term commitment to sustainability and supports the UK’s transition to electric vehicles, with the government targeting the end of new petrol and diesel car sales by 2030.

Learn more at energy.drax.com

Drax and Energy Sparks recognised at Third Sector Business Charity Awards for helping schools tackle energy costs

9 June 2026

News

A partnership between Drax, Energy Sparks and schools across the UK has won the Third Sector Business Charity Award for ‘Best Response to the Cost of Living Crisis’, recognising a three-year collaboration that has helped schools reduce energy costs, cut carbon emissions and improve climate education for thousands of young people. 

The award celebrates the impact of projects funded through the Drax Foundation, supporting schools in underserved communities to become more energy efficient through energy-saving technology, education and behaviour change initiatives. 

Since 2023, Drax has worked with Energy Sparks, a charity that helps schools reduce energy consumption through data-driven energy analysis tools and education programmes. 

This year’s funding alone has enabled 150 schools to access Energy Sparks’ energy management tools, resources and education programmes at no cost, engaging up to 50,000 children. Participating schools are on track to save more than £1 million in energy bills and reduce CO2 emissions by 1,500 tonnes during the 2025/26 school year. 

Shona King, Head of Social Impact at Drax said: “We’re incredibly proud that our partnership with Energy Sparks and schools across the UK has been recognised through the Third Sector Business Charity Awards. 

“This collaboration is helping schools reduce costs at a time when budgets continue to face pressure, while also supporting pupils to develop a greater understanding of sustainability, energy efficiency and green skills. By combining practical energy-saving measures with education, we’re helping schools create lasting benefits for both their communities and the environment.” 

Dr Claudia Towner, CEO and Programme Director at 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.” 

Alongside this, Drax has concluded a three-year programme installing LED lighting and solar panels in 54 schools located in communities where Drax operates across England and Scotland. 

Between 2023 and 2025, participating schools reduced energy bills by a combined total of around £1 million while cutting carbon emissions by 1,684 tonnes CO2e. Schools taking part in the programme achieved an average annual reduction of 64% in electricity bills and a 62% reduction in CO2 emissions. 

Bernadette McMillan, Head Teacher at Taynuilt Primary School, said: “The new LED lighting and solar panels will help us to save money on our energy bills, which is critical when the cost of fuel is so high. It’s also a great opportunity to engage the children about practical measures to address energy efficiency and climate change.” 

ENDS 

Notes to editors  

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. 

Analysis – low emission energy reshapes Britain’s grid

21 May 2026

News
  • Britain’s electricity system came within touching distance of operating without fossil fuels for the first time this Spring
  • The UK is now the most interconnected large power system in Europe
  • AI data centres can provide flexible grid support to help keep the lights on and spread the cost of infrastructure investment.

According to the latest analysis from Drax Electric Insights, the country’s energy system continued its rapid state of change as fossil fuel generation dropped to historic lows, with the grid coming close to operating without fossil fuels for the first time in April.

The report, produced independently by academics from Imperial College London and commissioned by Drax, found that Britain’s grid reached a new milestone in April 2026, with electricity generation from fossil fuels falling below 1 GW for the first time ever.

The findings come amid growing geopolitical pressure on global energy markets following disruption to oil and LNG supplies through the Strait of Hormuz, reinforcing the importance of reducing Britain’s reliance on imported fossil fuels.

The report highlights how Britain’s rapid growth in wind, solar and battery storage may help to shield consumers from global gas price shocks, alongside the UK Government’s plans to decouple electricity prices from gas.

Analysis also points to mounting pressure from AI-driven electricity demand. Government forecasts show Britain requires at least 6 GW of AI-capable data centres by 2030, equivalent to the output of four large nuclear reactors.

The report argues that AI infrastructure will need to become more “grid-friendly” if Britain is to meet both its economic and climate ambitions.

Around 140 proposed UK data centre projects are currently seeking approximately 50 GW of grid connections – equivalent to Britain’s entire peak electricity demand. The analysis suggests future developments should be located closer to areas with strong grid connections and abundant low-carbon generation, while making greater use of flexible demand management technologies.

However, the report does highlight that if designed and operated effectively, data centres can help ease pressure on the grid – by using electricity when there is spare network capacity available – and reducing power consumption when the grid is under pressure to stabilise the system and reduce costs.

Despite being an island, Great Britain has quietly become one of Europe’s most interconnected electricity systems. Britain now has more than 10GW of interconnector capacity linking it to neighbouring countries. It is the only large power system in Europe to have reached 10% of its capacity as interconnectors, overtaking Germany.

Dr Iain Staffell, lead author of the report and Associate Professor in Sustainable Energy at Imperial College London, said:

“Britain’s power system is changing at extraordinary speed. Just a few years ago, running the grid with almost no fossil fuels would have seemed unimaginable.

“What we are seeing now is that clean electricity is no longer only a climate story – it is increasingly about energy security, affordability and economic resilience.

“The recent disruption to global fossil fuel markets shows how risky it is to remain dependent on imported oil and gas. Expanding domestic clean power, storage and flexibility is Britain’s clearest route towards insulating itself from future energy shocks.”

The report also highlights the growing role of electricity interconnectors and battery storage in balancing Britain’s increasingly renewable power system.

Britain can now import up to one-third of national electricity demand through cross-border power links, while battery projects are helping to absorb excess renewable generation and smooth electricity price volatility.

However, whilst interconnectors can provide a useful backup system for our own domestic generation, importing electricity can leave the grid vulnerable to price spikes and geopolitical issues.

Lee Dawes, Chief Operating Officer at Drax, said:

“Britain’s electricity system is entering a new era. Renewable generation, battery energy storage systems (BESS), and flexible technologies are all becoming critical to maintaining secure, affordable power.

“Interconnectors continue to provide the UK with flexibility and the ability to manage short-term supply risk, but it is important that we prioritise developing our own renewable generation, long duration energy storage and BESS assets, to mitigate the risks from relying on energy imports.

“As electricity demand grows from AI, transport and heating, the challenge will be ensuring the grid can expand quickly enough to support economic growth while continuing to reduce emissions and strengthen energy security.

“The progress we are seeing demonstrates the importance of investing in a diverse mix of renewable and flexible technologies that can help keep the system stable as Britain transitions away from fossil fuels.”

The report also notes that growing renewable output is already changing electricity market dynamics, with periods of surplus power increasingly leading to free or discounted electricity for consumers during weekends and other low-demand periods.

For more information and to access the full report, visit Drax Electric Insights.

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.

The Princess Royal visits Cruachan ‘Hollow Mountain’ Power Station to mark its 60th anniversary

13 May 2026

News

The Princess Royal visited Drax Group’s Cruachan ‘Hollow Mountain’ Power Station, near Oban in Argyll, on Monday to unveil a commemorative plaque marking the 60th anniversary of its opening.

Carved into the granite interior of Ben Cruachan, the plant was the first large-scale reversible pumped storage hydro facility in the world when it was opened by the late Queen Elizabeth II in 1965. Today it continues to play a vital role in balancing the electricity grid and supporting the UK’s transition to net zero through storing excess renewable electricity at times of low demand.

The unveiling was conducted by HRH The Princess Royal, who was welcomed to the site by Will Gardiner, Chief Executive Officer of Drax Group, alongside other Drax colleagues and representatives from the local community.

Will Gardiner, Drax Group CEO, said: “Cruachan is an engineering marvel that has stood the test of time. As Britain builds the clean energy system of the future, flexible assets like Cruachan will be absolutely central to keeping the lights on. We are deeply honoured to welcome Her Royal Highness to mark this milestone, and to celebrate the generations of skilled people who have operated and maintained this extraordinary station over the past six decades.”

Drax Group has recently made an £80 million investment in the site to refurbish the plant and increase its generating capacity. Two of Cruachan’s generating units will be refurbished alongside the replacement of all four of the plant’s main inlet water valves. Each water valve weighs as much as three double decker buses, and in one minute can transport enough water to fill an Olympic swimming pool.

Cruachan supports the national grid by releasing water from its upper reservoir to flow through its turbines and into Loch Awe below. The flow of water rotates the turbine which in turn rotates a generator to produce electricity. Excess electricity from the grid can at other times be used to drive the turbine in the opposite direction, to pump water from Loch Awe up into the upper reservoir, storing for use later like a giant water battery.

New dawn for solar power at historic hydro site

28 April 2026

News

Renewable energy pioneer Drax has completed the first in a series of solar power installations across its historic Galloway and Lanark hydropower schemes in Scotland.

The state-of-the-art panels have been installed on the roof of Glenlee power station in Galloway as part of an £850,000 investment by Drax. Around 1,500 panels will be fitted as part of the project by Drax’s project partner Geo Green Power. The renewable electricity generated by the panels will mainly be used to meet the hydro scheme’s own power needs, helping to cut an estimated 500 tonnes of CO2 through displacing the need for fossil-fuel generation from the national grid.

The initiative is a positive step towards realising Drax’s commitment of achieving net zero emissions across its value chain by the end of 2040.

Mike Wynd, Drax’s Head of Hydro, said: “This is an exciting new chapter for Drax’s historic Lanark and Galloway schemes. By combining modern solar panels with our mature hydro systems, we’re moving the company closer to its net zero by 2040 ambitions.

“These power stations have made a remarkable contribution to Scotland’s energy needs, generating renewable electricity for almost a century. Through this solar power project, we are setting them up for a bright future for many more years to come.”

James Cunningham, Managing Director, Geo Green Power, said: “We’re delighted to be working alongside Drax, a household name in the energy industry, reducing their carbon footprint and assisting in their continued efforts to improve the organisations sustainability.”

Both schemes are two of the most historically important hydro facilities in Scotland. Lanark was completed in 1927 and is designated as a site of national architectural importance. The much larger Galloway scheme, which consists of six power stations and eight dams, also has protected status owing to its “finely detailed Modernist classical design”.

ENDS

Media contacts:

Aidan Kerr
E: [email protected]

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.

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

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.