£250,000 worth of funding went to a wide variety of organisations who support to local communities, help to develop STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) skills and support the transition to a net-zero future.

In Argyll and Bute, where Drax’s pumped storage hydro power station at Cruachan is located, a grant of £100,000 was awarded to ALIenergy – a charity working to prevent fuel poverty in the UK and support those who are affected by it.

Lynda Mitchell, CEO of ALIenergy, said: “Funding from the Drax Foundation has helped us to increase both affordable warmth work and educational activities in Argyll and Bute. This work is much needed with energy prices still sky high and rural households in particular struggling with expensive forms of heating. The region is underserved in terms of facilities and this funding will help us with our goal of ensuring no individuals live in fuel poverty without access to affordable energy in Argyll and Bute.” 

In Galloway, where Drax operates it’s hydro-electric power scheme at six generating stations, the Kirkcudbright Dark Space Planetarium received £37,500 to support its work to promote awareness and understanding of science, technology and space exploration.

The donation directly supported accessible workshops and exhibitions for young people in the region, giving schoolchildren the chance to visit the planetarium and young people from deprived areas access to STEM learning.

Deb Findlay, education coordinator at Kirkcudbright Dark Space, added: “Funding from Drax has helped our STEM Learning Programme expand in the last year, giving us the opportunity to put on new workshops, lectures and exhibitions and hire new staff members for the planetarium. These activities help young people from underprivileged areas in Dumfries & Galloway learn more about STEM and experience the renowned international dark sky park on their doorstep.”

Across the globe, Drax Foundation funding helped to reach over 25,000 young people with STEM and nature based activities. £3.6m worth of funding in total was donated in Canada, the US and the UK, with £2.91m awarded through the Drax Foundation, £695,000 via the Community Fund, and £11,500 donated through the Drax Crisis Fund, providing emergency aid in response to natural disasters, conflict, and other humanitarian crises.

Miguel Veiga Pestana, chief sustainability officer at Drax, commented: “Building stronger communities in the areas where Drax operates is the driving force behind our social purpose. 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.”