After 142 years of reliance on coal, the UK is poised to mark a historic turning point by shutting down its last coal power station, signalling the end of an era that defined the nation’s industrial might. On Monday, Ratcliffe-on-Soar, the final remnant of Britain’s coal-fuelled power generation, will close, marking a decisive step in the country’s ambitious plan to address climate change. Coal, once the cornerstone of the UK’s energy production, is now being left behind due to its significant contribution to greenhouse gas emissions, making it one of the most polluting fossil fuels.
Energy Minister Michael Shanks described the event as a day of profound importance, recognising the crucial role coal had played in the nation’s history while acknowledging that its time had come to an end. From the Industrial Revolution through the 20th century, coal was synonymous with British progress. The UK was, after all, the birthplace of coal-powered electricity with Thomas Edison’s Holborn Viaduct power station in 1882. This innovation revolutionised energy production, lighting up homes and industries across the nation.
However, by the early 1990s, coal was slowly edged out by gas, which began to dominate the energy landscape. Yet, coal remained indispensable to the grid for another two decades. Even as recently as 2012, coal still accounted for 39% of the UK’s electricity production. But growing awareness of the environmental impact of fossil fuels, coupled with increasing pressure to curb greenhouse gas emissions, began to hasten coal’s demise.
The UK’s commitment to decarbonisation has been driven by some of the most stringent climate targets in the world, beginning with the Climate Change Act of 2008. In 2015, the government boldly pledged to phase out coal within a decade, a move that sent ripples throughout the global energy industry. By setting clear deadlines, the UK demonstrated leadership, inspiring other nations to accelerate their own transitions to renewable energy.
The transition has been rapid. In 2010, renewable energy sources accounted for just 7% of the country’s electricity mix. By mid-2024, that figure had surged past 50%, setting new records and dramatically altering the energy landscape. The success of renewables such as wind and solar has allowed for intermittent periods of coal-free electricity generation, first achieved in 2017. This shift towards clean energy paved the way for the early closure of the Ratcliffe-on-Soar plant, bringing the curtain down on coal a year ahead of schedule.
Nevertheless, the legacy of coal and its workers cannot be ignored. Lord Deben, a former environment secretary, has urged that lessons from the past—particularly the widespread job losses during the coal mine closures of the Thatcher era—be heeded. He advocates for investment in green jobs, particularly in regions that once relied on coal. These areas, including former North Sea oil hubs, are now set to become key players in carbon capture, wind, and solar power industries. This shift represents not just a cleaner energy future, but a more resilient one, capable of supporting long-term economic growth in traditionally industrial regions.
Yet, challenges remain in ensuring the reliability of renewable energy sources, which are weather-dependent and thus more unpredictable than coal. As Kayte O’Neill, COO of the Energy System Operator, points out, innovation is essential for maintaining grid stability. Battery technology, which stores renewable energy for use when production is low, is seen as critical. Advances in battery science, such as those pursued by institutions like the Faraday Institution, are essential to improving the sustainability, efficiency, and cost of these technologies. Achieving this will require the UK to become less reliant on external sources, particularly from China, and to foster a homegrown, skilled workforce in the battery industry.
As the UK closes the chapter on coal, it moves towards a future where renewable energy is not only abundant but also a cornerstone of the nation’s economy. The end of coal power is a clear signal that the transition to a low-carbon future is not only possible but already well underway.
(Source: BBC)