The UK is on the brink of a historic moment as it prepares to shut down its last coal power station, marking the end of its 142-year reliance on coal for electricity production. The Ratcliffe-on-Soar power station, which has been operational since 1967, will cease operations on Monday, symbolizing the country's commitment to reducing its environmental impact.
This is a significant step in the UK’s effort to combat climate change. Coal, as the dirtiest fossil fuel, produces the most greenhouse gases when burned, contributing heavily to global warming. Shutting down coal power is a clear indication of the UK’s dedication to cleaner, more sustainable energy sources.
Energy Minister Michael Shanks emphasized the importance of this moment, saying, "We owe generations a debt of gratitude as a country." He pointed out that the UK, as the birthplace of coal power, is now the first major economy to give it up completely.
Lord Deben, the UK’s longest-serving environment secretary, echoed this sentiment, calling it a "remarkable day" for Britain, a country that built its industrial strength on coal. The first coal-fired power station in the world, the Holborn Viaduct power station, was built in 1882 by inventor Thomas Edison, and for decades, coal provided nearly all of the country’s electricity.
However, by the early 1990s, coal started to lose its dominance in the UK's energy mix, with natural gas taking a larger role. Despite this shift, coal remained an important energy source for the next two decades, still accounting for 39% of the UK's electricity as recently as 2012.
The decline of coal power in the UK accelerated in response to the growing awareness of climate change. As scientists made it increasingly clear that reducing greenhouse gas emissions was necessary to combat global warming, coal became a major target due to its high levels of pollution. In 2008, the UK introduced its first legally binding climate targets, and in 2015, then-energy secretary Amber Rudd announced that the country would phase out coal power by 2025.
This decision provided a clear path for the energy industry and demonstrated leadership on the global stage, encouraging other nations to follow suit. Lord Deben noted the UK’s role as a trailblazer in ending coal power, saying, "You need someone to point to and say, 'There, they've done it. Why can't we?'"
The growth of renewable energy sources in the UK has played a significant role in making the phase-out of coal possible. In 2010, renewables generated just 7% of the country's power. By the first half of 2024, this figure had surged to over 50%, setting a new record. The rapid expansion of wind and solar power meant that coal could even be switched off for short periods, with the UK experiencing its first coal-free days in 2017.
The success of renewable energy has been so remarkable that the UK was able to bring forward its target for ending coal power by a year. Now, with the closure of Ratcliffe-on-Soar, the UK will officially stop generating electricity from coal.
For those who have worked in coal power, like Chris Smith, a member of the environment and chemistry team at Ratcliffe-on-Soar for 28 years, this moment is bittersweet. "It is a very momentous day," she said. "The plant has always been running, and we've always been doing our best to keep it operating... It is a very sad moment."
Lord Deben, who served in Margaret Thatcher's government during the closure of many of the UK’s coal mines, acknowledged the challenges faced by workers in the fossil fuel industry. He emphasized the need to ensure that workers affected by the transition are supported with new opportunities in green industries. "There are many green jobs, and we should be focusing on providing these in the areas hardest hit by the changes, such as the North Sea oil regions," he said.
Despite the closure of coal power, challenges remain. Coal has historically been a reliable energy source, always available when needed, unlike wind and solar, which depend on weather conditions. Kayte O'Neill, Chief Operating Officer at the Energy System Operator, highlighted the importance of innovation in ensuring the stability of the electricity grid as the country shifts to renewable energy. One key technology in this effort is battery storage, which can store excess renewable energy for use when wind and solar power are unavailable.
Dr. Sylwia Walus, a research program manager at the Faraday Institution, noted the progress made in battery technology but stressed that more work is needed to make it sustainable and affordable. She also pointed out that the UK must reduce its reliance on China for battery production and invest in skilled workers to support this growing industry.
As the UK bids farewell to coal power, it faces both challenges and opportunities. The closure of the last coal power station marks a significant milestone in the country's journey toward a cleaner, greener energy future.
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