The UK has closed the chapter on its 142-year history of coal-fired power, marking a symbolic and pivotal moment in the global shift towards cleaner energy.
As of 30 September 2024, the nation’s last coal power plant was decommissioned, making the UK the first G7 country to eliminate coal from its energy mix.
This move, occurring in the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, not only signals the end of an era but also reinforces the global momentum towards renewable energy sources, positioning solar and wind at the forefront of the future.
The closure comes as the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development countries have collectively halved their coal generation since its peak in 2007, driven by the rise of solar and wind energy.
According to a report released on Monday by Ember, an energy think tank, “Coal generation in OECD countries has fallen by 52% since its peak in 2007. This dramatic decline has been largely attributed to renewable energy sources. Wind and solar were responsible for 87 per cent of the fall in coal during this period,” noted Dave Jones, Global Insights Programme Director at Ember.
According to the report, the UK is the 14th OECD country to achieve a coal-free power system, with the remaining OECD nations aiming for full phase-out by 2030.
Coal’s role in the UK energy mix has been shrinking for years. In 2012, coal made up 40 per cent of UK electricity generation, but by 2019, it was just 2 per cent, a figure that has now dropped to zero.
Jones highlighted the significance of this transition: “Once, coal power was a byword for industrial growth. Now clean energy is being used to drive industrial growth.”
The UK becomes the first G7 nation to exit coal-fired power, reports Sky News.
“The country has been burning coal to generate electricity since 1882, but the last remaining plant, in Nottinghamshire, is being decommissioned as capacity from clean alternatives has allowed it.
“The final coal-fired power station left in the UK will be shut down later on Monday amid the transition to renewable energy.
“The closure of the Uniper-owned Ratcliffe-on-Soar power station in Nottinghamshire will bring to an end a 142-year history of burning fossil fuel to produce electricity in the country,” the agency reported.
Global Shift
The decline of coal in OECD countries is mirrored by similar movements globally, as emerging economies also pivot towards renewable energy. However, some countries have yet to see rapid declines.
Ember’s report noted that “Türkiye was the only OECD country to set a new coal power record in 2023.”
Meanwhile, nations like Japan and South Korea have seen only modest reductions in coal reliance.
Despite these outliers, the overall trend is clear: as Ember reports, “Three-quarters of OECD countries are targeting a coal phase-out by 2030.”
Renewable Future
As coal exits the stage, renewable energy sources are taking over. “The rapid growth of wind and solar energy is not only replacing coal but also preparing to meet the increase in electricity demand,” said Jones, referencing the rise in electric vehicles and heat pumps across OECD countries.
The UK’s final coal plant closure symbolises a crucial turning point in the global shift to cleaner energy. With solar and wind powering the future, coal’s role as a dominant energy source is quickly coming to an end.
The Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit, in an X post on Monday, also confirmed this.
“End of an era as Britain’s last coal-fired power plant shuts down. The UK’s 142-year history of coal-fired electricity ends as turbines at Ratcliffe-on-Soar plant in
Nottinghamshire stop for good,” ECIU UK posted.
PUNCH Online reports that Ember is an energy think tank that aims to accelerate the clean energy transition with data and policy. Ember is the trading name of Sandbag Climate Campaign CIC, a Community Interest Company registered in England & Wales #06714443. ‘Ember’ and ‘Sandbag’ are trademarks held at the United Kingdom and European Union Intellectual Property Offices.
Renewable, Clean Energy
Meanwhile, the G7 (Group of Seven) is an intergovernmental organisation consisting of seven of the world’s largest advanced economies: the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, and Japan. It meets annually to discuss global economic issues, international security, and policies related to trade, climate change, and other global challenges.
A renewable future refers to a shift towards energy systems powered primarily by renewable sources like solar, wind, and hydropower, instead of fossil fuels. It represents a sustainable path to reducing carbon emissions, combating climate change, and securing long-term energy independence for economies worldwide.
Likewise, clean energy refers to energy produced from sources that do not emit pollutants or greenhouse gases, such as solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal. It plays a crucial role in reducing environmental impact, promoting sustainability, and supporting global efforts to transition to a low-carbon economy.
