Carbon emissions from the Drax power station in North Yorkshire rose to a record high last year, making the woodchip-burning plant the UK's largest single emitter for the eleventh consecutive year, according to a report by the energy think-tank Ember. The findings matter because Drax, whose energy is officially classed as renewable, continues to receive substantial public subsidies funded through consumer bills, reigniting debate over whether biomass power represents good value or genuine environmental benefit.

Ember reported that Drax generated 14.1 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent in 2024 — four times as much as the second-largest emitter, Pembroke gas power station — and received a record £999 million subsidy in 2025, costing each household around £13. Because UN rules mean biomass emissions are not counted in official UK statistics, Drax remains eligible for subsidies, having received £8.72 billion since 2012, with more than 99 per cent of its fuel imported. Drax rejected the analysis, saying it overlooks globally recognised carbon accounting practices and IPCC guidance on sustainable biomass.