New Drax subsidies deal announced

Responding to the news that the government has agreed a new subsidy arrangement with the Drax biomass power station in Yorkshire, Clare Oxborrow, nature campaigner at Friends of the Earth, said:

“At a time when funding for many government schemes is being slashed or curtailed – from support to help people insulate their homes to programmes encouraging farmers to plant trees – and with the climate emergency intensifying, it’s disappointing that the UK’s biggest carbon emitter is being given yet more public money at a cost to people and the environment.

“However, this decision represents a significant roll-back of government support for Drax, with its funding slashed by half and the introduction of much tighter sustainability requirements. Given it was in the news just yesterday that Drax has misreported its sustainability data for the second time, it’s vital ministers ensure stringent monitoring so that public money doesn't bank-roll the destruction of precious ancient forests.

"This doesn't change Drax's legacy of unleashing planet-warming emissions into our atmosphere, and subjecting communities who live near its US plants to toxic air pollution. Given the net zero economy is the UK's fastest growing sector, cash would be better spent transitioning workers out of polluting jobs into the sustainable, clean industries of the future – this is good for our economy, communities and our ailing planet.”

ENDS