Archives: Press Release

Drax Idling Operations in Arkansas

11 September 2025

News

After careful consideration, global renewable energy company Drax has made the difficult decision to cease operations and idle pellet plant facilities in Leola and Russellville, Arkansas. The plants will cease operations and idle beginning November 1, 2025. Operations at our other U.S. sites will remain unaffected as we prepare for this ongoing process.

“Our top priority is to operate responsibly and efficiently, and this includes making hard decisions when the data clearly shows that continuing certain operations is no longer viable,” says Matt White, Executive Vice President of Pellet Operations for Drax. “While we are ceasing operations and idling our Arkansas plants, we will keep purchasing wood fiber from Arkansas landowners and businesses, keeping Drax involved in the Arkansas economy and maintaining our role in the local forest industry.”

Drax leadership recognizes the impact this decision will have on our dedicated workforce; therefore, they are implementing a comprehensive support plan for the 16 employees affected. This includes a severance package based on length of service and position, as well as opportunities for reemployment within the company, where possible. Drax is also partnering with local agencies and employers to connect workers with new employment opportunities.

“We are deeply grateful to our employees for their hard work and commitment over the years,” says White. “We are committed to supporting them through this transition and helping them find new opportunities.”

Drax remains committed to transparency and will continue engaging with employees, local communities, and stakeholders throughout this process.

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 2040, 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

 

 

Drax appoints Deidra L. Jackson as Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs for North America

14 July 2025

News

Drax Group, a global leader in renewable energy and carbon removals, has appointed Deidra L. Jackson as Senior Vice President, Corporate Affairs North America, effective August 4. Jackson will be responsible for leading the corporate affairs strategy and stakeholder engagement across the region, including government relations, media, industry partnerships, and community outreach.

A seasoned executive with over two decades of experience, Jackson brings a distinctive blend of expertise in public affairs, corporate communications, and policy advocacy, honed through leadership roles at global consulting firms and major energy and chemical companies. Most recently, she served as Chief External Affairs Officer at Ridgeline Advocacy Group and Senior Advisor at FTI Consulting where she advised Fortune 500 clients on complex communications challenges, ESG strategy, and regulatory engagement.

Jackson has also held senior roles at BASF, ICF Consulting, Shell Oil Products US, and PricewaterhouseCoopers, where she led initiatives spanning stakeholder activism, crisis management, corporate philanthropy, and workforce development. Her ability to navigate the intersection of business, policy, and reputation has earned her recognition as a trusted advisor to corporate leaders and policymakers alike.

Based in Washington, D.C., Jackson is known for building high-impact partnerships across government, industry, and civil society. She has led multimillion-dollar public affairs campaigns, managed stakeholder coalitions in highly regulated sectors, and helped companies successfully position themselves within emerging markets such as clean energy, sustainable manufacturing, and carbon capture.

Deidra will report into Drax Group’s Chief Sustainability Officer Miguel Veiga-Pestana, who welcomed the appointment: “Deidra brings a fantastic wealth of skills and experience to the company, and I’m looking forward to her joining the team. We have a great story to tell about how we are supporting local communities, economies and energy security and she will be instrumental in leading our work in this area.”

Diedra commented “I’m honored to join Drax at such a critical moment in the global energy transition. I look forward to working with our partners across North America to build a cleaner, more secure energy future, one that delivers real value for communities, customers, and the planet.”

ENDS

Media contacts:

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

About Drax   

Drax Group’s mission is to help meet the world’s increasing demand for secure energy, sustainably, and to reach net zero by the end of 2040 across our value chain. By supporting biodiversity across our sites and in our value chain by the end of 2030 and seeking to make a positive contribution to the lives and livelihoods of our colleagues, communities, and workers in our supply chain, Drax is committed to being climate, nature, and people positive in our operations.  

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/us  

Pellet production and supply:

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

The pellets are produced using materials sourced from sustainably managed working forests that deliver climate, nature and people positive outcomes, adhering to strict compliance, traceability, and third-party certification standards. These pellets 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 Foundation Connects Louisiana Youth to Agriculture Opportunities

24 June 2025

News

Renewable energy company Drax has announced that three U.S. non-profits will receive $249,990 as part of the Drax Foundation’s latest round of donations. The non-profits receiving the donations are the Gulf Coast Center for Ecotourism and Sustainability, the Sustainable Forestry Initiative’s (SFI) Project Learning Tree (PLT), and Southern University’s Bayou Summer Program. $99,990 will help Project Learning Tree continue their work in providing professional development that grows environmental education opportunities.

“SFI is honored to receive this generous grant from the Drax Foundation. Building on the success of our 2024 partnership, this year’s project will deepen our impact by expanding educator training and green career exploration in Drax communities,” says Rocco Saracina, Director, Strategic Partnerships, Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI). “This work not only supports rural and under-resourced schools, but also helps students see themselves as future forest sector leaders.”

PLT will work with Drax and other sponsors to train over 300 educators, providing free, high-quality environmental education resources, ultimately reaching more than 33,000 students. The Drax Foundation previously awarded PLT $60,000.

“This expanded support from the Drax Foundation arrives at a pivotal moment for SFI’s education strategy,” says Josh Brankman, Vice President of Education, SFI and team lead for PLT. “Our vision prioritizes growing the forest and conservation sector workforce by integrating forest literacy and career pathways into academic systems. The Drax-funded initiative directly advances these goals and exemplifies how strong partnerships can drive systemic change in environmental-STEM education.”

The Gulf Coast Center for Ecotourism and Sustainability, which received $100,000, 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. This award will assist in the launch and operations of their new campus, the Gulf Coast Eco Center, a campus 12 years in the making. Here, they will offer both free and reduced-cost environmental education programming.

Southern University’s Bayou Summer Program, which received $50,000, provides an opportunity for high school students to gain firsthand knowledge about career opportunities in Agriculture, Family and Consumer Sciences and related disciplines. The goal of this program, that began in the 1980s, is to stimulate interest in careers opportunities available in these fields of study among high school students. The Foundation’s commitment will support more than 40 kids as they go through the summer program.

“Investing in communities isn’t only about making a financial commitment; it’s a pledge to nurture the foundation of our shared future,” says Aarika Plunkett, US Community Manager, Drax. “When we empower our community partners with resources and opportunity, we cultivate resilience, unity, and a lasting prosperity.”

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

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 2040, 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

Drax Launches Virtual Tour of Louisiana Plant

24 April 2025

Press releases

Renewable energy company Drax is excited to announce the launch of its virtual tour of its LaSalle, LA, pellet plant. The tour allows visitors to explore the plant’s operations, including the production of a wood pellet.

The virtual tour offers a comprehensive look at the entire pellet production process, from raw fiber to the final product – wood pellets created from the byproducts of the lumber industry. The video follows Drax team members through various sections of the plant and provides detailed insight into the role of biomass in producing sustainable energy. 

“Our aim is to help educate the public about the significance of sustainable energy and Drax’s role within the broader timber industry,” said Matt White, Executive Vice President of North America Operations at Drax. “This virtual tour showcases the technologies and methods we use, offering a glimpse into our processes and our dedication to safety and sustainability.” 

The virtual tour is now available at  www.drax.com/lasalle. You can also find it on Drax’s social channels, including Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. It serves as an educational resource for students, educators, organizations, and anyone interested in the pellet production process. 

To learn more about the Drax’s efforts in Louisiana, visit www.drax.com/la or www.drax.com/lasalle.  

 

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 2040, 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 Foundation gives more than $4.5 million to boost communities

26 March 2025

News

Drax today released an annual report for its Drax Foundation and Community Fund that shows more than $4.5 million has been donated to support communities across Drax’s global operations. The renewable energy company focused on funding organizations that help underrepresented groups, advance gender equality, and support indigenous communities. Organizations that have benefitted from Drax’s funding include those that improve STEM education, access to green spaces, and energy efficiency efforts in schools.

In the U.S., the Drax Foundation and Community Fund provided more than $896,000 to organizations in 2024, including community projects that focused on local wildlife through a partnership with the Rapides Wildlife Association in Louisiana.

“The support of the Drax Foundation is helping us connect everyday people with nature, said Marty Floyd, President, Rapides Wildlife Association. “Drax’s support of this project is helping support a powerful educational resource, bringing real-time wildlife footage to a global audience.”

The Drax Foundation also partnered with the National Audubon providing $50,000 in grant funding which engaged at least 2000 people through regional educational programming and also protected and restored up to ten acres of priority bird habitats in Mississippi.

“Building stronger communities in the areas where Drax operates is the driving force behind our social purpose,” said Miguel Veiga-Pestana, Chief Sustainability Officer at Drax. “Through our charitable giving, we’re empowering individuals with the skills and resources they need to thrive, while also making a tangible contribution to a sustainable future.”

Read the Drax Foundation Annual Review here.

Some additional highlights in 2024 from the Drax Foundation report include:

  • Providing just over a quarter of its grants for STEM projects, funding education and training for more than 13,000 children globally.
  • Providing money to help more than 8800 people access community green spaces.
  • Providing money for local foodbanks, community sports teams, resources for local schools and improved community buildings.
  • Connecting more than 7400 people to nature-based learning opportunities.

“Corporate giving is more than just a contribution-it’s an investment in the future of our communities,” said Matt White, Executive Vice President of Pellet Operations at Drax. “It creates a ripple effect of positive change that extends far beyond the workplace.”

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 2040, 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

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 to customers in Europe and Asia.

Drax raises $15,000 to help Louisiana youth with special needs

5 March 2025

News

Renewable energy company Drax has announced the donation of $15,000 to MedCamps of Louisiana. This year’s fundraising efforts banked the highest dollar amount Drax has raised through this event. 

The funds were raised during Drax’s annual golf tournament where more than 30 teams teed off at Frenchman’s Bend Golf Course in Monroe. The 18-hole tournament featured several charity holes where golfers donated funds to try their luck at a myriad of challenges, including one-legged teeing off and a frisbee toss for a shorter swing to the greens. 

“We’re so grateful for the generous donation from Drax.,” said Caleb Seney, Executive Director of MedCamps of Louisiana. “Your generous donation brings hope and healing to children in need. Thank you for making a difference in their lives and brightening their futures with your kindness.” 

MedCamps of Louisiana’s mission is to improve the health and wellness of people living with chronic illnesses and disabilities through unique recreational and educational camping experiences. “We always have such a great time hosting the golf tournament as it’s a time for our vendors and colleagues to have fun while giving back,” said Clay Butler, Drax IT Operations Manager and golf tournament facilitator. “This is the fourth charity golf tournament we’ve hosted, and we’re really looking forward to continuing them in the future.” 

Drax is committed to supporting local communities, including efforts that provide education and skills focused on improving green spaces, sustainable forestry management and helping the underserved population in Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas and Alabama.  

“As members of the local community, our employees pride themselves on being able to help organizations like MedCamps,” said Matt White, Executive Vice President of North America Operations for Drax. “We are honored to pour back into the community we call home and are so appreciative of everyone who came out to make the tournament a huge success.” 

To learn more about community projects that Drax has previously funded, visit https://www.drax.com/us/about-us/our-communities/ 

— ### —  

Image caption: Executive Director of MedCamps of LA joins Drax employees for check presentation.

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 2040, 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 

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 to customers in Europe and Asia.  

Drax launches new approach to global sustainability

28 February 2025

News

Renewable energy company Drax is excited to announce the launch of its new sustainability framework. This will allow the company to deliver on its global sustainability targets and to enhance the way it manages its efforts to be climate, nature, and people positive.

As part of this approach, a new sustainability framework has been developed in consultation with a wide range of stakeholders, including representatives from the scientific community, academics, employees, investors and eNGOs (environmental non-government organizations).

The sustainability framework includes 26 specific, measurable, and time-bound targets which will guide the business’ approach, helping to further improve how it interacts with key issues such as emissions reduction, forestry, biodiversity, water efficiency, and supporting local communities.

Some of the key initiatives in the framework include continued community giving focused on providing STEM education and green skills training for people in underserved communities in the regions where Drax operates. Drax will also implement nature positive action plans for their sites and develop plans for Drax’s priority biomass sourcing areas to help nature thrive by the end of 2030. Drax will also continue to develop and evaluate options to permanently remove carbon from the atmosphere via Drax’s carbon removals projects.

“Our new sustainability framework signals a significant change in the way Drax manages its impact on the environment, communities and nature,” said Miguel Veiga-Pestana, Drax Group Chief Sustainability Officer. “Throughout the process we have listened to and learned much from the wide variety of stakeholders who have helped us develop this plan, which will be key to helping to ensure Drax can provide renewable biomass power generation as sustainably and responsibly as possible for years to come.”

Central to the sustainability framework is Drax’s ambition to reach net zero across its value chain by the end of 2040, including steps aimed at decarbonizing its supply chains to prioritize the low carbon delivery of biomass fibre to Drax Power Station and moving forward with renewable power sources for its pellet plants.

To learn more about Drax’s corporate sustainability framework, visit Our Approach – Drax Global.

— ### —

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. Our strategic aims are to be a global leader in both carbon removals and sustainable biomass pellet production, and to be a leader in dispatchable, renewable generation.

Drax’s approximately 3,000 global 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 Foundation donation helps Louisiana non-profit give a ‘bird’s eye view’ to the public

30 January 2025

News

Renewable energy company Drax has announced that two U.S. non-profits will receive $54,000 as part of the Drax Foundation’s latest round of donations. The non-profits receiving the donations are the National Audubon Society and the Rapides Wildlife Association. The $50,000 will help the Audubon protect birds and the habitats they need throughout America using science, diplomacy, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation.  

“This gift is a testament to Drax’s commitment to environmental stewardship and community enrichment,” said Allison Guzman, Director of Institutional Giving at the National Audubon Society. “It aligns perfectly with the National Audubon Society’s mission of protecting birds and the places they need to thrive. This contribution will bolster critical restoration efforts, create healthier ecosystems, and provide long-term benefits for birds and local communities.”  

A $4,000 donation will help the Rapides Wildlife Association power a camera that will provide a bird’s eye view of an eagle’s nest in the Kisatchie National Forest. The funds will be used to purchase new solar batteries for the camera. Mating season and nesting season are soon to start, so it is critical the solar batteries are replaced quickly if the public is to continue viewing the eagles’ progress this nesting season. 

In 2024, Drax’s total charitable giving through the Drax Foundation, the Community Fund, and the Crisis Fund was nearly $4.5 million; $860,000 of that helped U.S.-based non-profit organizations. The Drax Foundation funds initiatives that support education and skills development in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), as well as those that improve access to nature and community green spaces.  

“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.,” said Matt White, Executive Vice President of Drax’s North America Operations. “We are honored to be able to support these non-profits who are making real, positive impacts in their communities.”  

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

Image caption: A group of children taking part in an activity organized by National Audubon Society.

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 donates $12,000 to food banks in US South

17 December 2024

News

Renewable energy company Drax has donated $12,000 to six food banks across Louisiana, Alabama, and Arkansas to help them feed and provide support to individuals and families over the holiday period. 

“This donation is coming at a time of year when food insecurity is most keenly felt,” said DeMonica Walker, Coordinator of the Senior Program with the West Alabama Food Bank. “We feed more than 1800 senior citizens across nine counties in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and Drax’s commitment will help us continue this good work through the holiday season.”  

Globally, Drax will give more than $72,000 to 24 food banks through the company’s dedicated Community Fund. The foodbanks receiving this support serve communities close to Drax sites in the USA, Canada, England, and Scotland, providing essential supplies to hundreds of people in these countries who are struggling with the cost of living. 

“Drax is fully committed to helping our communities thrive and that is especially true during the holiday season,” said Aarika Plunkett, U.S. Community Manager for Drax. “We hope these donations help our area food banks meet the high demand they are currently experiencing,” said Plunkett. 

In Northeast Louisiana, one in seven people are considered food insecure and are at risk of experiencing hunger. “The Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana is grateful for our ongoing partnership with Drax Biomass! Their support helps provide nutritious food to our neighbors who struggle to put food on the table,” said Jean Toth, Executive Director of the Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana. “Working together we are creating a stronger, healthier community.” 

The other U.S. food banks receiving funding included the Food Bank of Central LA serving LaSalle Parish, the Demopolis Food Pantry in Alabama, the Mainstreet Mission Food Pantry serving Russellville, AR, and Kathy’s Closet and Food Pantry serving Leola, AR. 

So far this year, Drax’s Community Fund has awarded over $865,000 in donations in the US, Canada and the UK, including more than $72,000 to foodbanks. Donations from the Fund have also been given to other food and essentials organizations, youth programs, education and employment organizations, physical and mental health charities, community spaces and organizations that strengthen the communities where Drax operates. 

To learn more about Drax’s corporate giving, https://www.drax.com/us/community or contact [email protected] for additional information. 

— ### — 

Photo caption 1: Food Bank of CENLA receiving their donation. Pictured are Shelby Kelmell, Community Fund Liaison Officer, Drax (left) and Linda Hutson, Director of Development & Community Relations, Food Bank of CENLA.

Contact Information: 

Michelli Martin 
U.S. Communications Manager
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 

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.