Archives: Press Release

Drax Introduces Gloster Community Advisory Panel Members

23 July 2024

Press releases

GLOSTER, Mississippi – As part of its ongoing commitment to the Gloster community, renewable energy company Drax is excited to introduce the inaugural members of the Gloster Community Advisory Panel. The Panel, first announced in April 2024, was created to help Drax deepen its engagement with the local community around its Amite pellet production facility, provide it with a regular opportunity to hear concerns and feedback from residents and more effectively respond to their needs.

The Panel will hold its inaugural meeting on Wednesday, July 31 and will be comprised of community leaders and citizens who have a shared interest and desire in making the town of Gloster an even greater place for everyone to call home. The members are a diverse representation of the community, including local business owners, faith leaders, non-profits, and those working in education & health care. The panel will help identify priority issues and projects to be supported through the Gloster Community Fund and will help inform Drax’s future community initiatives in the region.

The Gloster Community Advisory Panel is made up of the following Gloster community members:

  • Velicia Anderson, Gloster Branch Manager, Public Library
  • Vivica Hoover, Local Business Owner
  • Christy Havard, Field Health System Gloster Clinic
  • Linda Campbell, Retired School Teacher
  • Inez Bell, Elementary School Teacher & Gloster Alderman, District 3
  • Jackie Robinson, MS , District 3 Commander, Quartermaster, VFW Post 4934
  • Larry Veal, Sweet Home Baptist Church Deacon
  • Lauren George, Community Manager, Drax
  • Crystal Murray, Gloster Community Liaison, Drax
  • Michelli Martin, Communications Manager, Drax

“Effective corporate engagement and giving is a key pillar of our community approach and reflects Drax’s commitment to being a good neighbor and making a positive contribution in the communities where we operate,” said Matt White, Executive Vice President of Pellet Operations, Drax. “We believe working closely with members of the community will help determine the best projects for Gloster’s citizens and identify ways for Drax to provide educational support, recreational space, and opportunities for community involvement as key areas of interest. This group will also be a great way for us to hear what is on the minds of our neighbors and ensure we can support and respond to their needs as quickly as possible.”

In addition to the Community Advisory Panel, Drax has also created a dedicated Gloster webpage (drax.com/gloster) to provide even greater transparency and engagement with the Gloster community. The webpage includes answers to frequently asked questions, news about the Amite pellet plant, career fairs, employment information and videos that showcase Drax’s ongoing activities within the community. The page will be updated regularly and will be updated with a virtual video tour of the pellet plant later this summer.

Quick Facts about the Gloster Community Advisory Panel

  • GCAP includes 7 representatives from the Gloster community and three representatives from Drax.
  • Will meet approximately four times per year, and no less than two times per year and members will serve two-year terms.
  • A representative from Drax will chair the meetings and a representative from Drax will take minutes of the meetings
  • Inaugural meeting will be held on Wednesday, July 31.  

Contact Information:

Michelli Martin
Communications Manager, US
318-372-3988
[email protected]

About Drax

Drax Group’s purpose is to enable a zero carbon, lower cost energy future and in 2019 announced a world-leading ambition to be carbon negative by 2030, using bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) technology.

Drax’s approximately 3,000 employees operate across three principal areas of activity – electricity generation, electricity sales to business customers and compressed wood pellet production and supply to third parties. For more information, visit www.drax.com.

Drax’s Mid-Year Giving in Gloster Reaches Nearly $100,000

18 July 2024

News

Renewable energy company Drax announced today it has given out nearly $100,000 to local community improvement projects in Gloster, Mississippi, where Drax operates a wood pellet production facility. These funds come from the $250,000 Gloster Community Fund, which will be disbursed throughout 2024. The Fund is earmarked exclusively for initiatives that will improve quality of life and support grassroots activities in Gloster.

Drax has a designated Community Team, with a U.S. Community Manager and a local Community Liaison in Gloster. During the 2023-2024 year, our team led focus groups, listening sessions, and meetings with community leaders and residents. This active engagement is ongoing and has improved our understanding of the community’s concerns, priorities, and aspirations. The process has also helped Drax develop a full Community Engagement and Social Investment Plan for Gloster. Since April 2024, the Gloster Community Fund has awarded $98,000 to nine organizations.

$45,000 of that $98,000 was designated towards a new air conditioning system at the Gloster National Guard Armory, a building that was previously without a cooling system.

Matt White, Executive Vice President of Pellet Operations for Drax said:

“The armory is where family and community events are held and this latest addition will help improve the overall community experience, especially during those hot summer months. We were honored to work with Mayor Jerry Norwood to help make this long-awaited dream a reality.”

$7,000 went to the Wilk-Amite Youth Action Network for their Learning Village program. It’s a free summer enrichment program that provides hands-on, student-lead science education.

Wilk-Amite Youth Action Network’s Learning Village Camp

David Walker, President of the Wilk-Amite Youth Action Network said:

“The partnership with Drax means everything to this community. Their support of the Learning Village helped give 30 local kids access to STEM learning that will hopefully serve and inspire them for years to come.”

$8,000 has been earmarked for the Amite River Baptist Association Food Bank. This organization is helping feed needy senior citizens and at-risk community members.

Amite River Baptist Association Food Bank

Emanuel Powell, Jr., Director of the Amite River Baptist Association Food Bank said:

“Drax took us to the max, Drax helped us out a whole lot. We were able to get new equipment and we were able to purchase more food items. It was like a burden was removed when Drax came in and helped us.”

The Drax Community Fund has previously contributed to the Food Bank.

$5,000 is dedicated to Kidz Kingdom Childcare Center, an organization that’s working to enhance the education opportunities for kids in Amite County, MS.

Maria Montgomery, Owner of Kidz Kingdom Childcare Center said:

“Drax was a blessing to us because we were struggling. Thanks to Drax, we were able to cover a lot of our administrative needs, but most importantly, we were able to help buy educational supplies and toys to help further our kids’ education and opportunities.”

Other organizations awarded are the MS-Lou Health and Wellness Camp, Field Health System, the Gloster Chamber of Commerce, Amite School System, and Catrena Seiber Cotton.

Prior Drax investments in Amite County include the donation of $130,000 towards the creation of a walking track in the Gloster area, a turkey giveaway event for 200 households in Amite County during the 2023 holiday season, sponsored STEM-focused programs for children, and financial assistance to local groups following natural disasters.

The non-profit organizations awarded through the Gloster Community Fund applied for funding through an application process. To learn more about the Drax Community Fund or to apply for funding, visit www.drax.com/ms.

 

Contact Information:

Michelli Martin
Communications Manager, US
318-372-3988
[email protected]

About Drax

Drax Group’s purpose is to enable a zero carbon, lower cost energy future and in 2019 announced a world-leading ambition to be carbon negative by 2030, using bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) technology.

Drax’s approximately 3,000 employees operate across three principal areas of activity – electricity generation, electricity sales to business customers and compressed wood pellet production and supply to third parties. For more information, visit www.drax.com.

 

 

Connecting Girls to Engineering Opportunities

26 June 2024

Press releases

As International Women in Engineering Day celebrates its 11th year in 2024, we at the Texas Alliance of Minorities in Engineering (TAME) are excited to honor the amazing work our future engineers are doing. In recognition of this important day, it is a perfect time to provide a brief look at how organizations like TAME help progress STEM initiatives to improve representation.

Inspiring women for 50 years

TAME was founded nearly 50 years ago to inspire girls and students from underrepresented communities and support them to succeed in engineering education and careers. As the interim Executive Director of TAME, I get a first-hand look at the work that goes into supporting these students’ long-term success in engineering.

TAME is a statewide collaboration of cross-sector partnerships among schools and educators, higher education, industry, libraries, volunteers, and families that support local opportunities for engineering education and career exploration. Within each TAME Region, TAME Clubs, which are based at schools, libraries or community centers and led by volunteers, serve middle and high school students with afterschool engineering education, regional engineering competitions, and engineering scholarships. Naturally, supporting this Texas-wide endeavor is not only a lot of work, but it can also be expensive.

“We will all benefit from the inclusive solutions that a more diverse and representative group of engineers will bring. And, TAME believes that when more underrepresented students make it to college, the representation gap will begin to close.” – Kiyomi Beach, Interim Executive Director, TAME

Importance of partnerships

As most non-profit organizations can attest, there’s only so much that can be done without support from businesses who are also focused on STEM initiatives. As such, we’re very appreciative of the burgeoning relationships with corporate partners like Drax and the support we’ve received from the Drax Foundation. Over the last two years, we’ve been able to help fund our operational costs with generous grants of $160,000 from the Drax Foundation.

Most importantly, this level of corporate support allows us to offer programming to schools and students free of charge. Drax’s support is helping TAME as we work to build a strong sense of belonging among students, helping them build confidence and connect with engineering mentors and role models.

Growing female representation in engineering

This year’s theme for International Women in Engineering Day is #enhancedbyengineering – a concept we fully believe in. Evidence shows that girls gain interest in engineering at the same rate as their male classmates, but there are several factors that cause underrepresented students to turn away from engineering coursework and choose other pathways.

Based on this evidence, TAME has developed research-backed middle and high school programs that center the most important factors for student success in engineering and other STEM fields.

We will all benefit from the inclusive solutions that a more diverse and representative group of engineers will bring. And, TAME believes that when more underrepresented students make it to college, the representation gap will begin to close.

To learn more about TAME and how we’re working to connect students to engineering opportunities, visit https://www.tame.org/

DNV gives greenlight to new methodology for carbon removals delivered by BECCS

20 June 2024

Press releases
  • A methodology developed by renewable energy pioneers Drax and Stockholm Exergi has been validated by DNV, an organisation which delivers world-renowned testing, certification and technical advisory services to the energy sector. 
  • The methodology demonstrates compliance with ISO standards and gives buyers of carbon dioxide removals (CDRs) delivered using bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) confidence in their integrity. 
  • The methodology also supports the development of the voluntary carbon market for CDRs, which will play an important role in the scaling of such technologies and delivery of Net Zero. 

DNV, the independent energy expert and assurance provider, has validated a new methodology for the certification of net carbon dioxide removals delivered using bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS).  

DNV’s endorsement of the methodology developed by Drax and Stockholm Exergi, is an important milestone, which will support and enable the deployment of BECCS, a vital climate saving technology which both companies plan to deploy. 

The comprehensive methodology validated by DNV will ensure there is a rigorous approach which will provide confidence in the quality and sustainability of CDRs from BECCS – a vital technology due to its ability to deliver reliable renewable energy as well as millions of tonnes of carbon dioxide removals.  

This technology is widely acknowledged by leading authorities on climate change as being essential to efforts to address global warming, yet up until now there has been no comprehensive set of best-practice standards for measuring, reporting and verifying carbon removals delivered by BECCS.  

Setting rigorous standards that give buyers confidence in the quality and sustainability of CDRs will be essential in efforts to scale the market for high-integrity credits from BECCS.  

The methodology Drax and Stockholm Exergi have developed provides a comprehensive and conservative framework with which to quantify the net carbon dioxide removals delivered. Its validation by DNV demonstrates that it complies with ISO14064:2 (International Organisation for Standardisation) standards. 

Lucy Craig, Senior Vice President of Growth, Innovation and Digitalization, Energy Systems at DNV, stated:

“Technology based Carbon Dioxide Removal techniques such as BECCS have a critical role to play in the delivery of Net Zero. Drax and Stockholm Exergi have collaborated to develop a robust methodology to both quantify the volumes of Carbon Dioxide removed from the atmosphere and define safeguards to ensure the sustainability of such techniques.”  

“DNV has used a comprehensive process to validate that the methodology is aligned with ISO 14064-2, including a stakeholder engagement process to ensure that views of stakeholder groups have been considered.” 

The methodology is the most thorough to date incorporating sustainability safeguards, giving confidence to CDR buyers and investors and has been submitted into the EU’s consultation process for a carbon removal certification framework.  

The validated methodology is a collaborative initiative by the two leaders in BECCS technology, spelling out a new framework for high-integrity permanent removals with guardrails to ensure sustainable use of biomass and a conservative quantification of net removals. 

Drax aims to become the global leader in delivering large-scale and high-integrity carbon removals and it’s UK BECCS project secured development consent from the UK government earlier this year. 

Angela Hepworth, Drax’s Commercial Director, said,

“It is absolutely critical that we have credible, transparent and trustworthy standards in place if we are to scale the market for carbon dioxide removals (CDRs) and reach the volume needed to keep warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. 

“Drax is proud to be pioneering this comprehensive methodology which aims to set the standard for CDRs delivered by BECCS, and provide governments, customers and the market with the confidence needed to invest in high-integrity durable credits.” 

Stockholm Exergi plans to build Europe’s first large-scale facility for carbon removals using BECCS.  

Erik Rylander, Commercial Director for BECCS at Stockholm Exergi, said:

“With this initiative, we want to define and accelerate the development of sustainable BECCS, provide clarity to off-takers of Carbon Removal Units on the Voluntary Carbon Market and reach out to all other BECCS developers to join the initiative to drive a convergence of standards.”  

“Only if we can avoid market fragmentation and agree on a robust, sustainable standard for BECCS will market demand be unleashed and the permanent removals industry scale to the levels deemed necessary by the IPCC to limit global warming to 1.5 °C.”   

The new methodology looks to present an industry leading, principle-led approach, which can be taken on and developed further by standard setters to enable a robust and rigorous measurement of net removals.  

You can read the full methodology here.  

Media contacts:  

Drax 

Grant Stoker, Communications Manager 
E: [email protected]
T:  318.376.3358 

Stockholm Exergi 

Johan Börje, BECCS Development
E: [email protected]
@stockholmexergi.se 

About Drax   

Drax Group’s purpose is to enable a zero carbon, lower cost energy future and in 2019 announced a world-leading ambition to be carbon negative by 2030, using bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) technology.   

Drax’s around 3,000 employees operate across three principal areas of activity – electricity generation, electricity sales to business customers and compressed wood pellet production and supply to third parties. For more information visit www.drax.com  

About DNV    

DNV is the independent expert in risk management and assurance, operating in more than 100 countries. Through its broad experience and deep expertise DNV advances safety and sustainable performance, sets industry benchmarks, and inspires and invents solutions.  

Whether assessing a new ship design, optimizing the performance of a wind farm, analyzing sensor data from a gas pipeline, or certifying a food company’s supply chain, DNV enables its customers and their stakeholders to make critical decisions with confidence.      

Driven by its purpose, to safeguard life, property, and the environment, DNV helps tackle the challenges and global transformations facing its customers and the world today and is a trusted voice for many of the world’s most successful and forward-thinking companies.    

In the energy industry:  

DNV provides assurance to the entire energy value chain through its advisory, monitoring, verification, and certification services. As the world’s leading resource of independent energy experts and technical advisors, the assurance provider helps industries and governments to navigate the many complex, interrelated transitions taking place globally and regionally, in the energy industry. DNV is committed to realizing the goals of the Paris Agreement and supports customers to transition faster to a deeply decarbonized energy system.       

Learn more at www.dnv.com   

About Stockholm Exergi 

As Sweden’s leading district heating company with a €700 million in turn-over, Stockholm Exergi pioneers sustainable and circular heating, electricity and cooling solutions in Stockholm, Sweden. With a history of launching innovative solutions ranging from heat-recovery from data centers, advanced waste sorting to intelligent energy management, Stockholm Exergi is now working to become the largest supplier of permanent carbon removals within the European Union. Stockholm Exergi is owned by the City of Stockholm and a consortium of leading European pension funds (APG, Alecta, PGGM, Keva and AXA). 

Drax Donates More Than $291,000 to Non-Profits Focused on STEM Education and the Environment

18 June 2024

Press releases

Renewable energy company Drax has announced that five U.S. non-profits will receive $291,585 as part of the Drax Foundation’s latest round of donations. The non-profits receiving the donations are spread across Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi, and include The Boys and Girls Clubs of America (Mississippi), The Texas Alliance for Minorities in Engineering (TAME), The Houston Audubon, The Central Creativity Foundation, and The Gulf Center for Ecotourism and Sustainability. The funds will provide thousands of children across the southern U.S. with access to STEM education opportunities.

The Boys and Girls Club of America (Mississippi), which received $70,000, offers nation-wide support to communities in need and will use their funding to provide STEM opportunities for helping children across Central Mississippi and along the Gulf Coast.

Boys & Girls Clubs of America STEM Camp

“At Boys & Girls Clubs of America, we are dedicated to providing equitable access to opportunities and experiences that empower youth to become the leaders, innovators, and problem-solvers of tomorrow,” said Lisa Anastasi, Executive Vice President and Chief Development & External Relations Officer for Boys & Girls Clubs of America. “That’s why we are thrilled to continue our partnership with the Drax Foundation, which will significantly increase the number of young people participating in high-quality STEM programs at select Mississippi Clubs, equipping our members with the skills they need for a successful future after high school.”

The Texas Alliance for Minorities in Engineering (TAME), which was awarded $80,000, creates equitable experiences for students from underrepresented groups to explore futures in engineering.

“Thanks to Drax’s commitment to TAME, we are able to offer free engineering programs to students in schools across Texas,” said Kiyomi Beach, Interim Executive Director of TAME. “The support from Drax is invaluable and allows us to keep breaking barriers for students allowing them to stay on the path to pursue engineering careers and create solutions that reflect and celebrate our diverse world.”

The Houston Audubon, which received $25,000, is a regional non-profit and accredited land trust focused on protecting the natural environment for birds and people on the upper Texas coast.

The Central Creativity Foundation, which received $66,585, is an organization based in Laurel, Mississippi, that will use their funding to partner with the Louisiana Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (LaSTEM) Program to host energy camps in Amite County, Mississippi, and Marengo and Pickens Counties in Alabama.

The Gulf Coast Center for Ecotourism & Sustainability, which received $50,000, is an Alabama-based nonprofit that was established in 2018 to bring new environmental programs and facilities to the Gulf of Mexico’s Coast, including the promotion of sustainable tourism, environmental awareness, and the stewardship of the Gulf Coast’s natural resources.

The Gulf Coast Center for Ecotourism & Sustainability Soil Class

“Drax’s commitment is helping to support the education of a new generation of environmental stewards,” said Travis Langen, Executive Director of the Gulf Coast Center. “These funds will allow us to build young leaders and arm them with a passion for the environment that will last for years to come.”

The Drax Foundation funds initiatives that support education and skills development in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), as well as those that improve green spaces and enhance biodiversity.

“We are honored to be able to support these non-profits who are making real, positive impacts in their communities,” said Matt White, Executive Vice President of Drax’s North America Operations. “At Drax, our goal is to support the communities where we operate and this round of foundation giving will help organizations change the lives of thousands of kids across the southern U.S.”

To learn more about the Drax Foundation and Drax’s community efforts, visit www.drax.com/community.

Contact Information:

Michelli Martin
Communications Manager, US
318-372-3988
[email protected]

About Drax

Drax Group’s purpose is to enable a zero carbon, lower cost energy future and in 2019 announced a world-leading ambition to be carbon negative by 2030, using bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) technology.

Drax’s around 3,000 employees operate across three principal areas of activity – electricity generation, electricity sales to business customers and compressed wood pellet production and supply to third parties. For more information visit http://www.drax.com/us

Power generation:

Drax owns and operates a portfolio of renewable electricity generation assets in England and Scotland. The assets include the UK’s largest power station, based at Selby, North Yorkshire, which supplies five percent of the country’s electricity needs.

Having converted Drax Power Station to use sustainable biomass instead of coal, it has become the UK’s biggest renewable power generator and the largest decarbonization project in Europe. It is also where Drax is piloting the groundbreaking negative emissions technology BECCS within its CCUS (Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage) Incubation Area.

Its pumped storage, hydro, and energy from waste assets in Scotland include Cruachan Power Station – a flexible pumped storage facility within the hollowed-out mountain Ben Cruachan.

The Group also aims to build on its BECCS innovation at Drax Power Station with a target to deliver four million tons of negative CO2 emissions each year from new-build BECCS outside of the UK by 2030 and is currently developing models for North American and European markets.

Pellet production and supply:

The Group has 18 operational pellet plants and developments with nameplate production capacity of around five million tons a year.

Drax is targeting eight million tons of production capacity by 2030, which will require the development of over three million tons of new biomass pellet production capacity. The pellets are produced using materials sourced from sustainably managed working forests and are supplied to third party customers in Europe and Asia for the generation of renewable power.

Drax’s pellet plants supply biomass used at its own power station in North Yorkshire, England to generate flexible, renewable power for the UK’s homes and businesses, and also to customers in Europe and Asia.

Drax wins BritishAmerican Business Transatlantic Growth Award

7 June 2024

News

BAB is a trade association that incorporates the British-American Chamber of Commerce in the US and the American Chamber of Commerce in the UK.

The organisation’s Transatlantic Growth Awards are an annual event, held to highlight the stories of businesses of all sizes that underpin the trade and investment relationship between the UK and the USA.

Drax received the award for its plans to deploy and develop the large-scale and high-integrity carbon removals technology bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) in the US.

In 2024, Drax announced it would establish a new independent business unit which is focused on becoming the global leader in carbon removals.

The new business will be headquartered in Houston, Texas, and will oversee the development and construction of new-build BECCS plants.

In the UK, Drax currently generates around 8% of the UK’s renewable power and has played a crucial role in decarbonising the country’s energy system through converting North Yorkshire’s Drax Power Station to biomass generation. The company also plans to install two BECCS units at the Selby site.

Drax’s Group Director of Corporate Affairs, Ross McKenzie, accepted the award on behalf of the company at a ceremony at the Institute of Directors in London.

Duncan Edwards OBE, BritishAmerican Business’ CEO, said:

“The strength of the US-UK trade and investment relationship is underpinned by organisations like Drax, who look across the Atlantic as a source of innovation, stability, and prosperity. We are pleased to recognise their commitment to investing in the future of carbon capture and sustainable energy in the United States.”

Ross McKenzie said:

“I am delighted to accept this award on behalf of Drax. It is an honour for Drax to be recognised by BritishAmerican Business for the role that we play and the plans we have on both sides of the Atlantic.

“Our mission is to enable a zero carbon, lower cost energy future. We are developing options to build BECCS facilities in the US and also at Drax Power Station in the UK that will generate millions of permanent, high-integrity carbon removals as well as 24/7 power to compliment other sources of renewable energy.

“Receiving this award reflects our commitment to continue exploring innovative ways to power economic growth and benefit communities while preserving our planet for future generations.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

Media contacts:

Andy Low
Media Manager
E: [email protected]
T: 07841 068 415

About Drax:

Drax Group’s (Drax) purpose is to enable a zero carbon, lower cost energy future and in 2019 announced a world-leading ambition to be carbon negative by 2030, using bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) technology.

Drax’s c.3,500 employees operate across three principal areas of activity – electricity generation, electricity sales to business customers and compressed wood pellet production and supply to third parties. For more information visit www.drax.com

About BritishAmerican Business:

BritishAmerican Business is the leading transatlantic trade association incorporating the British-American Chamber of Commerce in the US and the American Chamber of Commerce in the UK.

We are committed to strengthening the economic corridor between the United States and the United Kingdom by supporting policies and actions that protect and enhance the environment for transatlantic trade and investment on behalf of our members.

We convene and serve a growing network of companies and business leaders through networking opportunities, bespoke programming and marketing platforms.

We actively promote trade and investment and support those who make the transatlantic corridor part of their business growth ambition.

Drax and Gloster Chamber team up to beautify Main Street

4 June 2024

News

Renewable energy company Drax partnered with the Gloster Chamber of Commerce to bring a little beauty to the town’s Main Street. On Thursday, May 30, 2024, Drax employees from the Gloster plant and the company’s corporate headquarters in Monroe, LA, joined Chamber members to repaint planters, replace flower decorations, and add new dirt and mulch to those newly painted planters. 

“Economic development can take many forms,” says Matt White, Drax Executive Vice President of North America Operations.“For many communities, Main Street is the welcome sign to their towns and cities. Beautification efforts, like the one undertaken by our Drax employees and the Gloster Chamber of Commerce, will help the town put its best foot forward and potentially lure new business and industry to Gloster and the surrounding region.”

Thursday’s project is just another example of Drax’s commitment to Gloster and the surrounding region. The latest commitments from Drax to Gloster residents include: 

  • Dedicated $250,000 Gloster Fund: Will allow Drax to continue making lasting, positive impacts in the community and will be earmarked specifically for Gloster projects and initiatives that are designed to improve quality of life and support grassroots activities as part of our commitment to being a good neighbor. 
  • Community Advisory Panel: To help Drax deepen community engagement and more effectively respond to community needs, we created a community advisory panel in Gloster that is made up of community leaders and citizens to help inform Drax’s future investments in the region. This panel will help identify local priority issues and projects to be supported with the Gloster Community Fund. We’ll be identifying panel member in June 2024. 
  • Career & Job Opportunity Assistance: Drax leadership committed to working with the town to share job openings and opportunities. In addition to posting to the Gloster webpage, the jobs will be posted on the Gloster Town Hall community information board. Drax has also committed to working with Amite County High School and Southwest Mississippi College and Workforce Center to create easier pathways into Drax employment. 
  • Donation of Computers: To help support educational and tutoring efforts organized by local organizations, including the Gloster Chamber of Commerce, Drax will donate computers to the Town of Gloster. The computers will be housed at the Gloster National Guard Armory where residents can use them for educational and research purposes. 
  • Annual Town Hall Meetings: To better communicate and respond directly to community questions and concerns.  
  • Bi-annual Focus Groups: To better understand and address community sentiment.  
  • New Community Manager: To help coordinate town halls and focus groups, Drax will welcome a new Community Manager in the coming weeks. This position will cover community engagement for Drax operations in the southern U.S., including Gloster.  
  • Gloster Updates Webpage: Drax is launching a dedicated Gloster webpage that include frequently asked questions, detailed information about the plant and links to the most recent job openings.  

“The Gloster Chamber of Commerce took this activity on to beautify the town,” said Kelvin Cotton, Chamber President. “We had flowerpots on the streets that were fading out, so we took this on to make our Main Street look good. These small changes make a big impact; it makes people want to come back to our town, but it also instills a sense of pride in our town.” 

To learn more about Drax’s Community Fund our efforts in Mississippi, visit www.drax.com/ms. 

Contact Information: 

Michelli Martin 
Communications Manager, US
318-372-3988
[email protected]

About Drax  

Drax Group’s purpose is to enable a zero carbon, lower cost energy future and in 2019 announced a world-leading ambition to be carbon negative by 2030, using bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) technology.   

Drax’s approximately 3,000 employees operate across three principal areas of activity – electricity generation, electricity sales to business customers and compressed wood pellet production and supply to third parties. For more information, visit www.drax.com.  

Drax Announces $250,000 Gloster Community Fund

23 April 2024

News

Renewable energy company Drax announced today a $250,000 commitment to create the Gloster Community Fund, a fund earmarked exclusively for initiatives that will improve quality of life and support grassroots activities in Gloster, Mississippi, where Drax operates a wood pellet production facility.

Following community outreach and conversations, senior Drax leadership visited with Gloster community members and town leadership in March 2024 to discuss actionable items to meet the needs of the community. From those meetings, opportunities were identified where funding from Drax could help, including educational and recreational outlets for local youth and the creation of a community advisory panel.

“Our continued investment in Gloster aligns with our core values of sustainability and community engagement,” said Matt White, Drax Executive Vice President of North America Operations. “This latest investment is a direct result of working with community members where we operate, and it represents Drax’s ongoing commitment to listening to the concerns and desires of the people to take steps to respond.”

The latest commitments from Drax to Gloster residents include:

  • Dedicated $250,000 Gloster Fund: Will allow Drax to continue making lasting, positive impacts in the community and will be earmarked specifically for Gloster projects and initiatives that are designed to improve quality of life and support grassroots activities as part of our commitment to being a good neighbor.
  • Community Advisory Panel: To help Drax deepen community engagement and more effectively respond to community needs, we are creating a community advisory panel in Gloster that will be made up of community leaders and citizens to help inform Drax’s future investments in the region. This panel will help identify local priority issues and projects to be supported with the Gloster Community Fund.
  • Career & Job Opportunity Assistance: Drax leadership committed to working with the town to share job openings and opportunities. In addition to posting to the Gloster webpage, the jobs will be posted on the Gloster Town Hall community information board. Drax has also committed to working with Amite County High School and Southwest Mississippi College and Workforce Center to create easier pathways into Drax employment.
  • Donation of Computers: To help support educational and tutoring efforts organized by local organizations, including the Gloster Chamber of Commerce, Drax will donate computers to the Town of Gloster. The computers will be housed at the Gloster National Guard Armory where residents can use them for educational and research purposes.
  • Annual Town Hall Meetings: To better communicate and respond directly to community questions and concerns.
  • Bi-annual Focus Groups: To better understand and address community sentiment.
  • New Community Manager: To help coordinate town halls and focus groups, Drax will welcome a new Community Manager in the coming weeks. This position will cover community engagement for Drax operations in the southern U.S., including Gloster.
  • Gloster Updates Webpage: Drax is launching a dedicated Gloster webpage that include frequently asked questions, detailed information about the plant and links to the most recent job openings.

“I am delighted to see Drax’s continued commitment to our town,” said Jerry Norwood, Mayor of Gloster. “It’s not just dollars Drax is donating, but resources and time. Their investment not only boosts our local economy, but also underscores Drax’s dedication to our community’s growth and success.”

Prior to the community investments announced today, Drax donated $130,000 towards the creation of a walking track in the Gloster area, committed to fund the installation of air conditioning systems at the National Guard Armory Building, organized a turkey giveaway event for 200 households in Amite County during the 2023 holiday season, sponsored STEM-focused programs for children, and provided financial assistance to local groups following natural disasters.

To learn more about the Drax Foundation and Drax’s efforts in Mississippi, visit www.drax.com/ms. 

Photo caption 1: Drax team members are joined by Gloster leadership and community members to celebrate Drax’s contribution to a community walking track.

Photo caption 2: Drax team members are joined by members of the Gloster Chamber of Commerce to celebrate their recent partnership.

Contact Information:

Michelli Martin
Communications Manager, US
318-372-3988
[email protected]

About Drax

Drax Group’s purpose is to enable a zero carbon, lower cost energy future and in 2019 announced a world-leading ambition to be carbon negative by 2030, using bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) technology.

Drax’s approximately 3,000 employees operate across three principal areas of activity – electricity generation, electricity sales to business customers and compressed wood pellet production and supply to third parties. For more information, visit www.drax.com.

Drax announces carbon removals deal with C-Zero

18 April 2024

News

Carbon removals and renewable energy company Drax Group today announced a carbon removals deal with C-Zero Markets (C-Zero), an environmental consultancy. The agreement is indicative of the maturing carbon market’s growing appetite for high-quality carbon removals and represents another concrete step toward Drax delivering bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) in the United States.

C-Zero will purchase carbon dioxide removals (CDR) credits from Drax representing 2,000 metric tons of permanently stored carbon under the terms of the agreement. The deal, which converts a previous MoU into a firm offtake agreement, is connected to Drax’s future deployment of carbon negative BECCS in the U.S.

“Organizations like C-Zero and the clients it supports are looking to permanent, engineered carbon removals that are high-integrity to ensure their climate commitments are achieved,” said Laurie Fitzmaurice, President, Carbon Removals at Drax. “As those deadlines approach, experts predict demand will soar for CDRs that are credible, quantifiable, and auditable – like those provided through BECCS by Drax – making now the smartest time to invest.”

This latest agreement between Drax and C-Zero is a clear indicator that demand for BECCS-derived carbon removals continues to increase. Today’s announcement comes just weeks after a firm offtake deal with Karbon-X, and Drax inked MoUs with Respira and C-Zero prior to that.

Drax also launched an independently operated business unit headquartered in Houston, Texas, at the beginning of the year with the intent of becoming the global leader in large-scale carbon removals. This business unit will oversee the development and construction of Drax’s new-build BECCS plants in the US and internationally, and it will work with a coalition of strategic partners to focus on an ambitious goal of removing at least 6 Mt of CO2 per year from the atmosphere.

BECCS is a carbon removal technology that uses sustainably sourced biomass to generate renewable energy while permanently sequestering the carbon underground. According to a recent report from Foresight Transitions, BECCS is necessary to help the United States achieve its ambitious decarbonization targets, deliver a zero-carbon power system by 2035, and become net-negative by 2050.

“Drax is one of the leading players in the BECCS space, and we’re thrilled to be partnering with them to help solve the other half of the climate equation with carbon removal,” said Mike Ridler, CEO at C-Zero Markets. “It has been great to work with them on process, compliance, and sustainability as this is fundamental to us as a business and to the clients we are supporting.”

The market for engineered carbon removals is maturing rapidly as organizations across the planet seek out solutions that can help them keep their climate commitments on track reliably. Because they are quantifiable and auditable – providing clearer value for the investment – BECCS-derived CDRs have quickly become a fundamental part of this voluntary carbon market.

To learn more about how Drax is helping organizations achieve their sustainability goals through high-quality carbon removals, visit www.draxcarbonremovals.com

Media contact:

Grant Stoker
Communications Manager, BECCS
Drax Group
[email protected]
318.376.3358

About Drax 

Drax Group’s purpose is to enable a zero carbon, lower cost energy future and in 2019 announced a world-leading ambition to be carbon negative by 2030, using bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) technology.

Drax’s approximately 3,000 employees operate across three principal areas of activity – electricity generation, electricity sales to business customers and compressed wood pellet production and supply to third parties. For more information, visit www.drax.com.

About C-Zero Markets

C-Zero Markets provides environmental consultation, supporting companies and organizations with renewable energy solutions, emissions reduction and achieving carbon, compliance, and net zero targets. Their goal is to help organizations achieve the highest emission reduction standards possible. To learn more, visit www.c-zeromarkets.com.