Why is Drax Power Station / big biomass bad?

Drax Power Station is the UK’s largest carbon emitter. In 2025, it emitted more than 14 million tonnes of CO2e - more than the six largest gas-fired power plants combined. Drax burned 7.5 million tonnes of wood pellets, mostly imported from around the world, to produce less than 5% of the UK’s electricity. Despite these high emissions, biomass generation is currently defined as carbon neutral in UK carbon budgets, making it eligible for renewable energy subsidies. As a result, Drax received a record £999 million in subsidies from UK bill-payers in 2025.

Why is this so important now?

Despite winning subsidy cuts from 2027 onwards, Drax is likely to remain the largest emitter until 2030. It’s angling to capitalise on governmental appetite for AI leadership by building a hyperscale data centre, powered by burning forests.

Tell your Local Press Guide:

How to contact your local press?

1. 🔍 **Find press to target -** use these databases
2. ✍️ Write your story - templates + tips
3. 🏭 **More info on Drax -** facts to embellish your articles and outreach
4. 📨 **Pitching your story -** how to send to editors
5. 👂 **Following up - k**eeping in touch

💬 Any questions?

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