UK Bids Farewell to Coal
End of an Era for Coal-Fired Electricity Generation
The UK is marking the end of coal-fired electricity generation with the closure of Ratcliffe-on-Soar power station. This move is part of the country's commitment to achieve net zero emissions and transition to renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power. The UK is the first G7 country to completely phase out coal, which is a significant step towards a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.
Final Coal-Fired Power Station Closes
Ratcliffe-on-Soar power station, the UK’s last remaining coal-fired power station, is set to shut down at the end of September. This marks the end of Britain’s 142-year dependence on fossil fuel for electricity production. The power station, which has been generating electricity since 1968, has been the last of its kind in the UK since September 2023, following the cessation of coal-based electricity production at Northern Ireland’s Kilroot power station.
Decommissioning Process Begins
After September 30, Ratcliffe will close permanently. Many of the 170 people employed by the plant’s owner, Uniper, will remain to assist with the two-year decommissioning process. The closure of Ratcliffe signifies the end of the country’s use of coal for electricity, which began with the Holborn Viaduct power station in London in 1882.
Shift Towards Renewable Energy
Coal played a major role in the national energy supply throughout the 20th century, accounting for about 80 per cent of UK power in 1990, which fell to 39 per cent in 2012. Since then, 15 coal power plants have closed or switched fuels. Last year, fossil fuel made up just one per cent of the UK’s supply, according to data from National Grid’s Electricity System Operator. Meanwhile, renewables, mainly wind and solar power, now constitute more than half of the mix, according to government statistics. Gas has also played a part in the switch, rising from 28 per cent of the power mix in 2012 to 34 per cent last year.
UK Leads G7 in Coal Phase-Out
While Sweden and Belgium were among the first in Europe to completely phase out coal, the UK is the first G7 country to achieve this milestone. France plans to complete its phase-out by 2027, Canada by 2030, and Germany by 2038. The UK now faces the larger task of significantly reducing gas use and further increasing renewables, as the newly-elected Labour Government aims to achieve net zero emissions from electricity generation by 2030.
Steps Towards a Cleaner Future
The government's first steps towards a cleaner future include setting up a new state-owned energy investment company, GB Energy, and lifting a de facto ban on new onshore wind projects in the planning system in England. The Government also awarded contracts for a new wave of green power projects in early September, which officials claim will generate enough power for 11 million homes.
Transition to Renewables
Jess Ralston, head of energy at the Energy & Climate Intelligence Unit, said the swift transition from coal to renewables “shows how possible it is to make the net zero electricity transition”. Renewables are also cheaper than fossil fuels. The International Energy Agency reported that in 2023, an estimated 96 per cent of newly-installed solar and onshore wind plants had lower generation costs than new natural gas globally.
Coal Usage Globally
While many countries are phasing out coal, global electricity generation from the fossil fuel still rose 1.1 per cent last year, according to energy analysis company Ember. This increase was mainly driven by China, which accounted for 54.9 per cent of global coal-fired generation. However, China added seven times more renewable energy capacity than coal last year, indicating a shift towards clean energy.
Bottom Line
The UK's transition from coal to renewable energy sources is a significant step towards a more sustainable future. The closure of Ratcliffe-on-Soar power station marks the end of an era, but it also paves the way for cleaner, more efficient energy sources. It's a testament to what can be achieved when a country commits to a cleaner energy future. However, with coal still playing a significant role in global electricity generation, there's still a lot of work to be done. What are your thoughts on this transition? Share this article with your friends and let's continue the conversation. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, every day at 6pm.
