Feb 19 • 10:10 UTC 🇬🇧 UK Guardian

MPs in call to halt Drax’s £2m-a-day subsidy over sustainability doubts

UK MPs urge suspension of £2 million daily subsidies for Drax power plant amidst sustainability concerns.

A group of 14 MPs and peers in the UK have called on Energy Minister Ed Miliband to suspend the significant subsidies paid to Drax, the nation's largest power plant, after revelations from court documents raised questions about the company's sustainability claims. The concerns revolve around the source of the wood pellets used for electricity generation, which are supposed to be derived from sustainable materials. The politicians are alarmed that Drax might have received substantial public funding, knowing that it has potentially misled stakeholders about the environmental impact of its operations.

The controversy has amplified scrutiny on Drax, which receives around £2 million daily in renewable energy subsidies funded by British consumers. According to the letter from the MPs, there are allegations that Drax may have concealed critical information about its wood sourcing practices. This has sparked calls for a thorough investigation by financial watchdogs to ensure transparency and accountability in renewable energy subsidies, particularly in light of Britain's ambitious climate goals.

The implications of this situation are significant for the future of renewable energy policies in the UK. If proven that Drax has misrepresented its sustainability practices, it could lead to severe repercussions, not only for the company in terms of financial penalties and a loss of trust but also for the broader renewable sector, which relies on public funds to facilitate a transition to green energy. The outcome of this inquiry may redefine regulatory frameworks governing renewable energy subsidies in the UK, necessitating stricter oversight and compliance measures.

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