The UK is set to stop producing electricity from coal, marking the end of its 142-year dependence on the fossil fuel. The last coal-fired power station, Ratcliffe-on-Soar, will cease operations on Monday, after running since 1967. This marks a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change.
Coal, known as the dirtiest fossil fuel due to its high greenhouse gas emissions, has been a primary energy source for the UK since the Industrial Revolution. Minister for Energy, Michael Shanks, said, “We owe generations a debt of gratitude as a country,” acknowledging the role coal has played in shaping the nation’s energy history.
The UK, the birthplace of coal-powered electricity, will now become the first major economy to completely eliminate coal from its energy mix. Lord Deben, the longest-serving environment secretary, described the closure as “a remarkable day,” noting the historical significance of Britain’s reliance on coal.
The first coal-fired power station was built in 1882 in London by Thomas Edison, and coal dominated the UK’s electricity generation throughout the 20th century. In the early 1990s, coal began to be phased out by natural gas, yet it still provided 39% of the country’s electricity in 2012. By 2024, however, renewables accounted for over 50% of the UK’s electricity, thanks to rapid growth in green energy.
The push to eliminate coal intensified in 2015 when then-Energy Secretary Amber Rudd announced plans to end coal use within a decade. This set a clear direction for the energy industry, with many citing the UK’s leadership as a benchmark for other nations. Dave Jones, director of global insights at the energy think tank Ember, stated that this announcement “set in motion” the end of coal in the UK.
Chris Smith, a longtime employee at Ratcliffe-on-Soar, described the closure as a “momentous” but “sad” day, reflecting on the plant’s role in powering the country for decades.
However, as the country moves away from coal, there are challenges ahead. Unlike coal, which is available at all times, renewable energy sources like wind and solar are weather-dependent. Kayte O’Neill, chief operating officer at the Energy System Operator, highlighted the need for innovation to ensure grid stability, particularly through advancements in battery technology. Dr. Sylwia Walus of the Faraday Institution emphasized the need for more sustainable and cost-effective battery production, suggesting that the UK must become less reliant on China for its battery supply.
While the UK celebrates this environmental milestone, the focus now shifts to ensuring a smooth energy transition, with new green jobs in industries like carbon capture, wind, and solar power being prioritized for areas affected by the decline of fossil fuels.