After careful consideration, global renewable energy company Drax has made the difficult decision to cease operations and idle pellet plant facilities in Leola and Russellville, Arkansas. The plants will cease operations and idle beginning Nov. 1, 2025. Operations at our other U.S. sites will remain unaffected as we prepare for this ongoing process.“Our top priority is to operate responsibly and efficiently, and this includes making hard decisions when the data clearly shows that continuing certain operations is no longer viable,”&nbsp;says Matt White, executive vice president of pellet operations for Drax.&nbsp;“While we are ceasing operations and idling our Arkansas plants, we will keep purchasing wood fiber from Arkansas landowners and businesses, keeping Drax involved in the Arkansas economy and maintaining our role in the local forest industry.”Drax leadership recognizes the impact this decision will have on our dedicated workforce; therefore, they are implementing a comprehensive support plan for the 16 employees affected. This includes a severance package based on length of service and position, as well as opportunities for reemployment within the company, where possible. Drax is also partnering with local agencies and employers to connect workers with new employment opportunities.“We are deeply grateful to our employees for their hard work and commitment over the years,”&nbsp;says White.&nbsp;“We are committed to supporting them through this transition and helping them find new opportunities.”Drax remains committed to transparency and will continue engaging with employees, local communities, and stakeholders throughout this process.&nbsp;

small_DraxArkansasOct25.jpg

thumbnail_DraxArkansasOct25.jpg

DraxArkansasOct25.jpg

Drax has announced it will cease operations and idle pellet plant facilities in Leola and Russellville, Arkansas, effective Nov. 1, 2025. Operations at our other U.S. sites will remain unaffected, according to the company.

Drax idling operations in Arkansas

Related Stories

Clean Fuels members gather in Washington for annual meeting

Erg Bio closes $6.5 million seed round to scale flexible feedstock technology for manufacturing synthetic aviation fuels and critical chemicals

USDA announces availability of $7 million for advanced biofuel production

Denali and Green Era partner to advance community-driven food recycling in Chicago

EPA: 1.98 billion RINs generated in October

Upcoming Events

2026 International Biomass Conference & Expo

Drax idling operations in Arkansas.css-7jxktu{position:absolute;bottom:0px;left:0px;right:0px;height:3px;border-radius:3px;background-color:var(--chakra-colors-brandBlack);}