Archives: Press Release

Drax Foundation funding helps support the UK’s first ‘Rainforest Squad’

The latest round of funding, part of the Drax Foundation’s 2024 H2 donations, saw £25,341 given to help ACT build upon their long-term projects and to recruit a co-ordinator to support activities at ACT’s Rainforest Hub in Lochgilphead, 40 miles from Drax’s Cruachan pumped hydro storage facility.

The Rainforest Hub was established back in 2023, with funding from the Drax Foundation, National Lottery Heritage Fund, Argyll and Bute Council, NatureScot and Scottish Forestry, to serve as a focal point of activity around Argyll’s Rainforest and features a new native tree nursery, planted with the help of Drax Foundation funding.

Alongside the tree nursery, ACT has also created a ‘Rainforest Squad’ to deliver training courses at the Rainforest Hub’s outdoor learning activity space.

Previous grants from the Drax Foundation have been used to support the delivery of outdoor science, technology, maths and engineering (STEM) learning throughout Argyll with 49 sessions provided to nearly 300 school pupils and funding will continue to support the growth of this programme. ACT has become one of a small number of Scottish organisations to become an accredited Young STEM Leaders Delivery Centre.

This academic year’s outdoor programme is now underway and will be regularly visiting the tree nursery located at the hub. Launched in 2023, the pilot scheme had a significant impact on young people with the unique experiences offering engaging, creative and inclusive learning opportunities with the addition of the new tree nursery giving school children a perfect environment for the application of STEM in nature.

Julie Young, ACT CEO, said:

“Having our own Rainforest Squad and native tree nursery is a game changer for us – it allows us to ensure a healthy stock of trees with local provenance for planting for our own projects, and also provides a fantastic learning opportunity for our Outdoor STEM projects, and for rainforest volunteers to really get involved with what rainforest restoration it all about.”

Scotland’s temperate rainforest, also known as Atlantic woodland or the Celtic Rainforest, is a unique habitat of ancient and native forest, open glades, boulders, crags, ravines and river gorges. Argyll itself is home to more than half of the remaining rainforest in Scotland; however, the internationally important habitat is currently under threat from invasive plant species and the looming threat of climate change.

Shona King, Group Head of Community at Drax said:

“The native rainforests in Argyll are unique and biodiverse habitats that provide the ideal setting for children to learn their STEM in nature skills. Drax are proud to continue our long-term funding commitment to ACT, who provide such a strong impact to young people through its activities and programmes in the region. We look forward to seeing the positives outcomes that this funding will no doubt deliver.”

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 the world’s second largest 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 megaton 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.

 

 

 

 

Drax fuels another year of STEM learning at the Glasgow Science Centre

In its inaugural year, the programme engaged over 1,400 primary and secondary school pupils in this green energy initiative. Aimed at nurturing STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) skills, the programme seeks to inspire the next generation to pursue careers in hydropower.

Fully funded by Drax, the initiative benefits from a £60,000 grant to the Glasgow Science Centre, allowing expert staff to deliver this educational endeavour. This announcement coincides with the 60th anniversary celebration of Drax’s Cruachan Power Station, Scotland’s largest pumped storage hydro plant, originally opened by the late Queen Elizabeth II in 1965.

 

Sarah Cameron, Community Manager for Scotland at Drax Group, said:

“Last year’s programme was tremendously successful, engaging over 1,400 school pupils in activities both at the Glasgow Science Centre and within their school classrooms. As we celebrate the 60th anniversary of our iconic ‘Hollow Mountain’ Cruachan Power Station, I am thrilled that we can extend another £60,000 grant to the Glasgow Science Centre to continue this initiative.

“I am confident that this year’s programme will be equally popular. It represents an incredibly exciting opportunity for young people to enhance their STEM skills and gain insights into potential career paths in renewable energy.”

The primary schools programme, facilitated through Glasgow Science Centre’s ‘Learning Lab’ over four to six weeks, uses case studies of Drax’s Scottish assets to educate children on various hydropower types like pumped hydro and run-of-river plants, with participating classes either visiting the Science Centre or receiving a visit from its ‘On Tour’ team.

For secondary students, particularly those in fifth and sixth year, STEM Futures Work Readiness Workshops are offered at the Glasgow Science Centre, where they collaborate to explore career opportunities in Scottish hydropower and the necessary skills for those roles.

Dr Stuart Meiklejohn, Glasgow Science Centre’s STEM Futures Project Coordinator, said:

“At Glasgow Science Centre we are delighted to continue and expand our partnership with Drax, delivering hydro-themed resources and workshops across Scotland.

“With this support we can help over 1,500 students learn about hydro power and its importance in their everyday lives, including inspiring the workforce of the future”

ENDS

Media contacts:

Aidan Kerr
E: [email protected] 
T: 07849090368 

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 the world’s second largest 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 megaton 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.

Drax funding ‘un-lochs’ water-based safety and activities for young people in Galloway

  • £5,000 has been awarded to Embers Aquatics – an organisation providing schools with water safety training and awareness.
  • £1,000 donated to two schools in Galloway for STEM resources.
  • Funding awarded to Loch Ken Trust’s Youth Water Safety Awareness Programme.

The Drax Foundation, the charitable entity of renewable energy company Drax Group (Drax), has awarded funding to several organisations that promote water safety in communities near to its hydro-electric power assets in Scotland.

Ian Kinnaird, Drax’s FlexGen Assets Director said: “We want to make sure that young people can benefit from the outstanding natural beauty of places nearby to our Scottish hydro-electric assets. That’s why promoting water safety in the communities where we operate is an important issue for us at Drax.

“Picturesque lochs and stunning coastline make our landscape one of the most beautiful places in the world, and by equipping young people with the skills to keep themselves safe on and around the water, more people can take part in water activities in these special areas.”

Embers Aquatics, a charity engaging with Scottish primary schools to conduct water safety workshops, will receive £5,000 to support their goal of helping young people prioritise water safety in Galloway, Argyll and Bute and Lanarkshire.

The project aims to deliver a total of 375 workshops, potentially supporting around 7,500 pupils across Scotland.

Funding has also been awarded to support Loch Ken Trust, who provide schools with safety sessions through their Youth Water Safety Awareness Programme – and carry out patrols through its ranger service, encouraging users of the Loch to be safe and mindful of the environment.

Leanne Pumpr, Head Ranger for Loch Ken Trust, spoke about the importance of the initiatives: “We are really grateful to the Drax Foundation for this funding, which will help to support our important work around Loch Ken for both the local environment and our water safety sessions.“On average, 96 people lose their life each year due to a water-related fatality in Scotland, so it is of paramount importance that we teach young people how to enjoy water-based activities in a safe and responsible way.”

Competition winner, Abbie Dickie, with her winning entry on display at Loch Ken

Highlighting the importance of water safety also gave local schools in Galloway the opportunity to win £500 for STEM resources. Schoolchildren in the region were tasked with designing a poster to raise awareness of water safety, with winning entries displayed beside Loch Ken and schools receiving a £500 grant to spend on STEM resources. Competition winners were:

  • Tamzin Scott, Crossmichael Primary School – Primaries 2-4
  • Abbie Dickie, Springholm Primary School – Primaries 5-7

To find out more about the Drax Community Fund and how to apply for funding, go to the website.

ENDS

Photo caption: (from L-R) Graeme Dickie, HSEQ Manager, Drax, Mark Dickie, Production Assistant, Drax, Competition winner Abbie Dickie and Leanne Pumpr, Head Ranger, Loch Ken Trust

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 the world’s second largest 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 megaton 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.

Christmas cheer at Drax’s Skylark Centre

Nearly 600 people attended the three-day event, which was organised by the Drax Visitor Centre team, with donation buckets raising £500 for the Yorkshire Swan Hospital.

The festive event gave visitors the chance to enjoy a wide variety of Christmas-themed activities, including arts, crafts and woodland trail activities. The highlight of the afternoon for many however, was the opportunity to meet Santa Claus, with children sharing their Christmas wishes and receiving a special gift from the man himself.

Jane Breach, Community Engagement & Visitor Centre Team Leader at Drax, said: “We were thrilled to once again welcome families to the Skylark Centre for a memorable festive experience and help raise money for Yorkshire Swan Hospital. The activities available offered communities local to Drax Power Station the opportunity to meet Father Christmas and experience a range of festive activities which were perfect for families.”

The festive fun at the Skylark Centre is part of Drax’s ongoing commitment to engaging with the local community and offering memorable experiences for families. For information on upcoming events at Drax and the Skylark Nature Reserve, visit our Facebook page or Drax Events page.

ENDS

Photo caption 1: Drax Unit Controller Steven Lyon and family enjoying Santa’s Grotto at the Skylark Centre Christmas event.

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 the world’s second largest 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 megaton 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.

Drax’s jam jar donations prove fruitful

£1,200 has been donated to Oban’s RNLI lifeboat station, using a unique fundraising tool at the Cruachan Visitor Centre. Visitors looking to fundraise were given small jam jars to take away, fill up with 5p’s and then return to the visitor centre. The successful idea was complimented by an RNLI pop up shop in the centre’s Kids Zone back in November, alongside bucket donation points at the entrance.

Tom Kennedy, Senior Station Technician at the Oban lifeboat station was among staff presented with the donation and commented: “It was a pleasure to meet members of the Drax team from Cruachan and to receive such a generous donation to help us save lives at sea.

“We are delighted that Drax has chosen to work with the RNLI, and all of us on the Oban Lifeboat crew look forward to continuing our partnership.”

Alongside the donation to the RNLI, Drax’s Community Fund has given £2,000 to Hope Kitchen, a local charity that aims to serve Oban, Lorn and the Isles, and provides food parcels to those most in need.

Catriona Petit, Service Manager at Hope Kitchen said: “Drax’s donation will help us to make a real difference in the local community over the festive period. Christmas can be an especially difficult time for vulnerable people and this funding will help us to continue providing essential supplies to those who need it.”

So far this year, Drax’s Community Fund has awarded over £650,000 in donations, including £57,700 to food banks across the world. Donations from the fund have also been given to other food and essentials organisations, youth programmes, education and employability schemes, physical and mental health charities, community spaces and organisations that strengthen the communities where Drax operates.

Sarah Cameron, Drax’s Cruachan Visitor Centre Manager, said: “Drax is proud to support local organisations which help to strengthen our communities. Both the Oban RNLI station and Hope Kitchen will provide an invaluable service to the community over the Christmas period, and we hope these donations can support that vital work.”

To find out more about the Drax Community Fund and how to apply for funding, go to the website.

ENDS

Photo caption 1: Cruachan Visitor Centre Manager, Sarah Cameron, presents Oban RNLI Station with the donation.

Photo caption 2: Cruachan Visitor Centre Manager, Sarah Cameron, presents Hope Kitchen with the donation.

Notes

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 the world’s second largest 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 megaton 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.

Drax supports UK food banks over Christmas

The donations will support food banks located near Drax’s facilities in North Yorkshire, Scotland, and Northamptonshire, helping to provide essential food and supplies to hundreds of people struggling with the rising cost of living.

Each foodbank has been awarded £2,000:

  • Selby Community Fridge – Near to Drax Power Station, North Yorkshire
  • Stepping Stones – Near Galloway Hydro Station, Dumfries and Galloway
  • Hope Kitchen Oban – Near Cruachan Power Station, Argyll and Bute
  • Clydesdale Food Bank – Near Lanark Hydro Station, Lanarkshire
  • Viewpark Family Centre – Near to Daldowie Fuel Plant, Lanarkshire
  • Love Ipswich – Near to Drax’s office in Ipswich, Suffolk

Jane Breach, UK Community & Education Manager, said: “These donations are part of Drax’s ongoing commitment to making a difference to local communities in the areas we operate.

“Christmas can be an especially difficult time for many, and we hope these donations will help food banks meet the increased demand for their services and provide vital support to those in need.”

Chris Hailey-Norris, Chief Executive of Up for Yorkshire said: “I am utterly delighted by the generous donation gifted to the Community Fridge. This will make such a difference to the hundreds of people we support each week and enable us to provide additional essential provisions for people. Thank you so much.”

So far this year, Drax’s Community Fund has awarded over £650,000 in donations, including £57,700 to foodbanks across the world. Donations from the fund have also been given to other food and essentials organisations, youth programmes, education and employability schemes, physical and mental health charities, community spaces and organisations that strengthen the communities where Drax operates.

ENDS

Photo caption 1: The Drax team presents Up for Yorkshire with their donation.

Photo caption 2: Cruachan Visitor Centre Manager, Sarah Cameron, presents Hope Kitchen with their donation.

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 the world’s second largest 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 megaton 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.

Drax empowers the next generation with valuable carbon capture skills

Renewable energy leader Drax is offering young people an exciting opportunity to develop the skills necessary to drive forward the carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies of the future, including its groundbreaking Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS) project at Drax Power Station.

In collaboration with Springpod, an award-winning careers exploration platform, Drax has launched its first-ever Project Sprint, which gives students aged 14-19 a virtual experience of working as a Process Engineer as part of its BECCS project. Alongside this, Drax is offering employees at Drax Power Station the chance to upskill their CCS knowledge through an in-depth bootcamp in partnership with Selby College.

The new initiatives are part of Drax’s ongoing efforts to equip young people with the expertise they need to succeed in a rapidly evolving energy industry and help tackle climate change through innovative carbon capture solutions.

The Project Sprint is an online learning simulation, developed by Drax’s Early Careers Development team and Capital Projects engineering experts. Students will step into the shoes of a Process Engineer at Drax Power Station, exploring the role’s involvement in the BECCS project at the power station. Through a series of engaging videos and a work booklet, students will learn about the process of capturing carbon emissions, identifying potential problems, and finding solutions to ensure safety and efficiency.

Springpod’s Project Sprint allows students to learn about CCS using interactive modules.

The interactive module will give students a valuable insight into the technical aspects of carbon capture technology, while developing problem-solving skills that will support their future careers. The project also aims to inspire students to pursue careers in engineering, particularly in projects such as BECCS, which will play a pivotal role in helping the UK meet its net-zero targets.

Bruce Heppenstall, Plant Director at Drax Power Station said: “Drax’s commitment to developing the next generation of engineers is integral to our strategy for a sustainable future and both Project Springpod and our CCS Skills Bootcamp will give young people the pathway to play a part in this future.

Selby College student Max Apedaile participating in the BECCS Project Sprint.

“BECCS will bring thousands of highly skilled, well-paid jobs to the local region and it is imperative that we equip young people with the skills to design and implement not only BECCS at Drax Power Station, but the CCS projects of the future, which will be critical in the fight against climate change.”“I really enjoyed taking part in the Process Engineer virtual work experience,” said Max Apedaile, a student from Selby College who participated in the programme. “It was interesting learning about the system Drax uses for carbon capture. This is going to be a huge part of the future of engineering, and it’s important for young people like me to get involved and understand how it works.”

Sam Hyams, co-founder and CEO of Springpod, said: “Carbon capture is emerging as one of the most promising technologies in dealing with climate change. It’s critical that the next generation of young people entering the industry are equipped with the right skills. Drax’s expertise in this area provides young people with unparalleled insight and gives them the chance to test their hard skills and learn from real-world feedback.”

Adrian Haigh, Engineering Lecturer at Selby College, emphasised the value of this initiative: “The course was well put together and challenging, exactly what our students need to become competent engineers of the future. The collaboration between Drax and Selby College bridges the gap between industry needs and education, providing students with valuable insight into the technologies of today and tomorrow.”

In addition to the Project Sprint, the Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) Skills Bootcamp, provides in-depth training in BECCS technologies, empowering the workforce of tomorrow to be leaders in sustainable energy innovation. So far over 50 Drax engineers have completed the programme, designed to upskill them ahead of BECCS deployment.

Becky Davies, Development Engineer – Process at Drax helps students undertaking the Springpod virtual work experience.

Emily Cooper, Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) Co-ordinator at Drax, participated in the CCS Bootcamp and shared her experience: “It’s been incredibly useful to learn about the carbon capture process and how it can be scaled up for industrial use. I plan to bring this knowledge back to my team to ensure we can effectively support the BECCS projects as they move forward.”

Emily Cooper, Health, Safety, and Environment Co-ordinator at Drax, participating in the CCS Bootcamp.

Apprentice Technician, Centime Breach-Frank, added: “The CCS Bootcamp has opened up new opportunities for me in my career. I’ve gained a deeper understanding of the theory behind carbon capture and storage, and I hope to apply this knowledge in my apprenticeship as Drax advances its BECCS technology.”

Plans to deploy BECCS at Drax Power Station will require the upskilling and re-skilling of both the current and future workforce, with programmes such as the CCS skills bootcamp and Springpod’s Project Sprint proving crucial to support the 10,000 jobs BECCS will bring, and make the Yorkshire/Humber region a global centre for excellence in green skills.

Luke Varley, Head of Engineering at Drax with students from Selby College viewing a demonstration of the Springpod Project Sprint.

Drax’s collaboration with Springpod is just the beginning of these efforts to engage with and develop future talent. The company is also in the process of developing an eight-module virtual work experience programme, launching in 2025, which will be shared with over 400,000 students across the UK. This initiative will further empower young people to pursue careers in the growing sector of carbon capture and sustainable energy.

ENDS

Photo caption 1: Drax employees take part in the carbon capture and storage bootcamp at Selby College.

Media contacts:

Kieran Wilson
E: [email protected] 
T: 07729092807

Editor notes 

  • Drax is set to be one of the first power stations in the world to convert to BECCS. When the building work for BECCS at Drax starts it will be one of country’s largest construction projects – a £2bn investment in this technology of the future, supporting thousands of high-quality and well-paid jobs, from chemical engineers to pipefitters.
  • BECCS at Drax will also require upskilling and re-skilling the workforce, helping facilitate the green skills of the future, essential for the energy transition.
  • Developing BECCS at Drax Power Station will deliver significant advantages for local communities and help revitalise the North of England and will support 10,000 jobs at its peak.
  • The first unit of BECCS at Drax Power Station will deliver 40% of the negative emissions which are required to reach net zero in the UK, according to the Climate Change Committee.

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 the world’s second largest 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 megaton 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.

Drax awards shine a light on young apprentice stars

The ceremony, held near Selby in North Yorkshire, brought together apprentices from across the company’s UK operations to celebrate the outstanding contribution they have made to Drax.

Notable winners included 20-year-old Oliver Feeney, a Logistics Graduate Apprentice from Selby, who picked up the Graduate Apprentice of the Year award for his work at Drax Power Station.

Oliver was recognised for his outstanding dedication to developing his skills and behaviours and was commended by the judges for his excellent work ethic, positivity and willingness to learn.

On receiving his award, Oliver said: “I am very proud to have won the award and to see that all my work has being appreciated during the first year of my apprenticeship. I look forward to continuing my development in both the academic and professional aspects of my apprenticeship in the next couple of years.”

Other young apprentices from across Drax were also recognised at the event. PMO (project management office) apprentice Faith Roberts, 20, based at Drax’s Northampton office, was awarded Business Apprentice of the Year. Faith was commended for her bravery at taking on new challenges along with her desire to learn and was even earmarked as a strong future leader and a fantastic role model for other apprentices.

Faith said: “It has been lovely to hear all the positive feedback from my team and the wider group. Knowing that my work has had a positive impact on colleagues has been very nice.”

Ian Kinnaird, Drax’s FlexGen Assets Director, was one of the hosts at the awards nights, and he commended on the hard work and achievements of all Drax’s apprentices. “It’s incredibly rewarding to offer young people the chance to kick-start their careers through our apprenticeship programme at Drax,” he said. “Our apprentices bring with them a wealth of unique talents and fresh perspectives that enrich our work environment, and provide opportunities for all of us to learn and grow.

“I want to congratulate all the award winners and nominees, and they should take great pride in their accomplishments. We are excited to support their continued development and look forward to seeing how their careers evolve here at Drax.”

This year’s winners were:

  • Nathan Harbinson – The Paul Chambers Outstanding Achievement Award
  • Oliver Feeney – Graduate Apprentice of the Year
  • Faith Roberts – Business Apprentice of the Year
  • Owen Moran – Craft Apprentice of the Year 1
  • Martin Meechan – Craft Apprentice of the Year 2
  • Nathan Harbinson – Craft Apprentice of the Year 4
  • Mason Thomas – Technical Apprentice of the Year 1
  • Ryan Stocks – Technical Apprentice of the Year 2
  • Dylan Hall-Parkes – Technical Apprentice of the Year 3
  • Nathan Taylor – Technical Apprentice of the Year 4

Craft and technical apprenticeship programmes at Drax span four years and offer new recruits an opportunity to work alongside highly qualified engineers, gaining skills in three key engineering disciplines: Mechanical, Electrical, and Control & Instrumentation. Drax also offers apprenticeship opportunities to areas in business support such as HR, cyber security, IT, facilities, and network security.

With plans for deploying bioenergy with carbon capture (BECCS) at Drax Power Station along with the expansion of its new pumped storage hydro site at Cruachan in Scotland, opportunities for apprentices at Drax continue to grow, giving the next generation of engineers the tools to succeed.

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 the world’s second largest 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 megaton 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.

Fossil fuel power generation hits record lows as UK says farewell to old king coal

The record low was followed by the symbolic end to coal-fired power generation in Britain with the closure of Ratcliffe-on-Soar power station, making the UK the first major economy to phase out coal power completely.

Despite the UK leading the way in decarbonisation among the G7, the report shows that significant challenges remain in decarbonising the power sector, including the needs to phase out natural gas, invest in grid infrastructure, and address rising balancing costs.

The findings have been released in the latest instalment of the quarterly Drax Electric Insights report. The publication is an independent report by academics from Imperial College London commissioned by Drax through Imperial Consultants.

In order for the country to achieve the goal of a net-zero power grid by 2030, Britain will need to reduce its share of gas from around 25% to 5% in just six years. This is in line with the pace of reduction for gas power generation seen since 2010, which was achieved in just three years for coal.

Share of Britain’s electricity demand from fossil fuels, with the trajectory from 2024 to 2030 needed to meet the Government’s expected definition of clean power.

“Phasing out natural gas at speed will be much more difficult than coal” explained Dr Iain Staffell of Imperial College London, the lead author of the quarterly Drax Electric Insights report series.

“Gas offers the grid a flexible supply that is difficult to replace, and one that is essential to energy security right now. If we continue to reduce our dependence on gas by prioritising wind and solar, they will need support from other technologies like long-duration energy storage (LDES) and dispatchable thermal power, and government will need a bold approach to rapidly upgrade our transmission grid.”

He added: “The cost of decarbonisation will increase as we approach 100% clean power. Add to that the expected 50% growth in electricity demand by 2035, and it’s clear to see we face major challenges in providing sufficient capacity and greater flexibility. The UK is leading the world on this, and must continue to lead by example and forge ahead as it has over the last decade, with effective decision making to enable a clear long-term vision.”

Bruce Heppenstall, Plant Director at Drax said: “The end of coal was a poignant moment for the UK energy sector. It puts into perspective just how far we have come since the Climate Change Act was passed in 2008 and Drax has its own unique story as part of the shift away from coal, transitioning from coal power generation to become Europe’s largest decarbonisation project using sustainable biomass to produce electricity. It is imperative that we do not rest on our laurels and invest in flexible renewable power from a variety of sources.”

“Drax stands ready to implement its plans for BECCS at Drax Power Station, which could remove 4 million tonnes of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere by 2030 whilst delivering reliable renewable power, and we are moving forward the expansion of our pumped hydro storage power station at Cruachan, providing the grid with additional storage capacity, which is essential if Britain is to achieve clean power by 2030.”

Alongside the need to phase out fossil fuel from power generation, the Q3 report also highlights the growing strain on Britain’s transmission network, particularly the bottleneck between Scotland and England, as renewable energy production ramps up.

Projects like the Eastern Green Link 2 (EGL2), a 505-kilometre interconnector designed to transport renewable electricity from Scotland to England are cited as key infrastructure investments that will help to reduce the curtailment of wind energy and ensure that more clean power is used across the country.

The sector must also contend with rising balancing costs, with balancing the grid becoming more complex alongside the rapid growth of renewables. They are now five times higher than their 2010s average.

For more information or 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 the world’s second largest 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 megaton 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.