Energy investment can provide economic benefits to communities alongside the development of new electricity infrastructure, according to Drax.
In an opinion article published on 28 September, Drax’s Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Officer Ross McKenzie argues that investment in energy projects can support employment, skills development and local supply chains as the UK electricity system changes. Drax currently operates a 4.4GW portfolio spanning battery energy storage, hydro and pumped hydro, wind and solar generation.
The company commissioned polling with More in Common to examine public attitudes towards local energy projects. The findings indicate that 53% of respondents do not believe their local area currently provides good opportunities for well-paid, high-skilled employment. At the same time, respondents identified skilled jobs, apprenticeships and training as key benefits of new energy developments.
Drax argues that energy investment can therefore have a wider economic role than simply adding generation or storage capacity. New projects can create demand for workers, suppliers and specialist skills, while construction and ongoing operations can generate activity within surrounding communities.
Training and apprenticeships form another part of the company’s argument. According to Drax’s polling, only 5% of respondents said they would oppose a flexible energy site being developed in their area if it created jobs and apprenticeship opportunities for young people.
Drax says it has already invested in education and employment initiatives around its operating locations. During the previous year, its Community and Education teams supported 1,890 young people identified as being at risk of becoming not in education, employment or training, while STEM events in Yorkshire and the Humber reached 9,500 learners. The company also funded 12 STEM trainee teachers to complete postgraduate teaching qualifications.
Drax Group plc (LON:DRX), trading as Drax, is a power generation business. The principal downstream enterprises are based in the UK and include Drax Power Limited, which runs the biomass fuelled Drax power station, near Selby in North Yorkshire.
