Direct action at the climate camp
Drax power station
Why Drax?
Drax is one of three coal power stations in Megawatt Valley. On its own, it is the largest single emitter of carbon dioxide in the UK, emitting 20.8m tonnes a year. This is more than a quarter of the total CO2 emitted by all Britain's motorists.
It is the biggest coal-fired power station in Europe, more than twice as big as any other power station in the UK. Drax provides 7% of the UK energy needs, burning nearly 10 million tonnes of coal a year.
Coal is the dirtiest way to make electricity, and yet half of Britain's electricity comes from coal. In fact more and more coal is being used. Dwindling oil and gas supplies mean coal use is on the rise.
Drax is a large part of a system which has to change - system where profit and power are valued over sustainability and co-operation. By challenging it, we challenge our whole way of life.
The future is not yet written, inaction is the tragedy.
Detailed info about Drax power station:
Drax power station; the single biggest C02 polluting site in the UK and the biggest coal power station in Europe. Drax produced more than 20.8 tonnes of carbon last year; enough to provide for 7% of Britain’s energy needs at present. A 1% increase in the efficiency of the giant Drax would save the typical carbon emissions of 21000 households. (The Guardian 16.05.06)
Drax is twice as big as any other power station in the UK. Opened 1974 It produced 6.2 m tons over its carbon allowance (though European carbon emissions trading scheme) last year. It produces more carbon annually than 103 countries do. That is equivalent to more than ¼ of all private motor vehicles (91m tons) or 1/3 of all homes (80m tons) in the UK. (The Times 17.05.06)
Drax shares jump 70% as fears of energy crisis drive up cost of Electricity (04.06.06). Drax enters FTSE 100 index at number 89; value of 3.4 billion. Compounded growing dominance of oil and mining stocks in the FTSE. 7 of the top 100 companies are in this sector; worth total of 117bn (8% of index total).(National Union Mineworkers Website)
A good Coal-fired Power station? Coal is the dirtiest way to make electricity, and yet half of Britain's electricity comes from coal. In fact more and more coal is being used. Dwindling oil and gas supplies mean coal use is on the rise.
Drax is a large part of a system which has to change - system where profit and power are valued over sustainability and co-operation. By challenging it, we challenge our whole way of life.
Drax was opened 1974 and is the newest and most efficient of the UK's coal-fired power stations. This refers to its units having FGD plant fitted which removes 90% of SO2 emissions, and to the fact it emits less CO2 per unit of electricity produced than other UK coal-fired stations. Coal power stations are much less efficient and much more polluting than gas power stations, yet coal is cheaper and easier to come by and so coal use is on the rise.
Drax accepts visitors. Contact: Pam Spence or Ann Gray on +44 (0) 1757 618 381
How does Drax produce electricity? Visit: http://www.draxpower.com/about.php?page=intro