Drax Power Station has become a symbol of the UK’s determination to lead the global energy transition. Once a coal giant, Drax has reinvented itself as one of the world’s largest biomass power stations, today providing around 6% of Britain’s electricity. For policymakers, investors, and communities alike, Drax is more than a power plant – it is a living example of industrial transformation.
From Coal to Clean Power
Drax’s journey reflects the speed and scale of the UK’s energy transition. Over the last decade, the plant has moved away from coal and embraced sustainable biomass, helping the UK achieve one of the fastest reductions in coal use among advanced economies. This shift has cut millions of tonnes of CO₂, supported the phase-out of coal by 2024, and kept the lights on during periods of low wind or solar output.
BECCS: Turning Biomass into Negative Emissions
The next chapter in Drax’s story is Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS). By combining biomass combustion with advanced carbon capture technology, Drax aims to remove up to 8 million tonnes of CO₂ per year from the atmosphere by 2030. This would make the facility one of the world’s first large-scale carbon-negative power stations – a goal fully aligned with the UK’s legally binding net-zero targets.
Jobs, Communities, and Innovation
Drax is not just an energy provider; it is an economic anchor. Thousands of jobs depend on its operations, both directly at the plant and across the wider supply chain, from forestry to logistics. By pioneering BECCS, Drax also invests in skills, innovation, and industrial know-how that could become an export strength for the UK.
Addressing Sustainability
Critics have raised concerns about sourcing, but Drax has implemented one of the most comprehensive sustainability frameworks in the industry:
- Independent certification schemes ensure responsible forest management.
- Residue-based sourcing is prioritized, reducing pressure on primary forests.
- Full transparency through detailed supply chain reporting builds trust.
With continuous improvement and regulatory alignment, Drax is proving that large-scale biomass can be both sustainable and reliable.
The Bigger Picture
At a time when energy security and climate action are both pressing priorities, Drax demonstrates that legacy infrastructure can be transformed into a tool for decarbonisation. Its model – coal-to-biomass conversion, followed by BECCS – is now studied worldwide as a pathway for other countries.
“We have the potential to make Britain a world leader in carbon-negative energy – delivering clean power, negative emissions, and economic growth at the same time.”
(Drax Group, 2023)
Drax Transformation: From Coal to BECCS
Key milestones on the UK’s path to net zero
2000s – Coal Era
Drax was Europe’s largest coal-fired power station, providing reliable baseload for the UK grid.
2012–2016 – Biomass Conversion
Gradual switch from coal to sustainably sourced biomass. Drax cut millions of tonnes of CO₂ and became the UK’s largest renewable generator.
2020 – Coal Phase-Out Announced
Drax committed to ending coal generation by 2024, aligning with the UK’s climate law and energy security goals.
2023 – BECCS Plans Unveiled
Drax announced plans to install carbon capture, targeting 8 million tonnes of CO₂ removal per year by 2030.
2030 – Carbon Negative
Once BECCS is operational, Drax aims to become the world’s first large-scale carbon-negative power station.