Drax Group PLC, a key player in the UK's energy sector, is focusing on three key areas: Energy Security, Jobs and Skills, and Decarbonisation. The company's emphasis on Jobs & Skills is evident in its significant contribution to the local economy, particularly in Yorkshire & Humber, where it has been a major employment and wealth creator, contributing £358 million. Drax Power Station has been a crucial part of the country's energy security for 50 years, providing power for 4 million homes and creating high-quality, well-paid jobs.
A report by Oxford Economics revealed that Drax Power Station contributed £735 million to the UK economy, £358 million to the regional economy, and supported 7,130 jobs throughout the country via its wider supply chain. The company's commitment to supporting the economy is further demonstrated through its expansion projects, such as the Cruachan expansion project in Scotland, which is expected to create almost 15,000 jobs and generate up to £5.8 billion for the UK economy by 2035.
Drax's plans to invest in Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS) technology at Drax Power Station have been approved by the UK government. This investment could deliver up to 10,000 high-skilled jobs in the Humber during the peak of the project's construction, while also safeguarding 7,000 direct and supply chain jobs. Additionally, the company is building stronger communities through the Drax Foundation, which provides grant funding for non-profit organizations focused on improving equitable access to STEM education and skills development, nature and community green spaces, and support for energy efficiency measures.
Overall, Drax Group PLC's initiatives and investments are not only driving economic growth but also contributing to the UK's energy security and transition to a net-zero future.