The UK’s final coal-fired power station, Ratcliffe-on-Soar, has ceased operations, marking a significant step in Britain’s move towards zero-carbon energy and concluding a 142-year history of coal-powered electricity. Located near Nottingham, the closure of this plant makes the UK the first major economy and G7 member to completely phase out coal. This milestone is particularly notable as the country was home to the world’s first coal-fired power plant, established in 1882.
Energy Minister Michael Shanks commented, “Today’s closure at Ratcliffe marks the end of an era, and coal workers deserve immense pride for their contribution to powering our country. We owe generations a debt of gratitude.”
Ratcliffe first began operations in 1967, during which nearly 400,000 individuals were employed in the coal industry. As one of the UK’s largest coal plants, it had the capacity to generate 2 gigawatts of electricity, enough to power all homes in the East Midlands. The government had announced in 2015 that coal, the most polluting power source, would be phased out by 2025.
A few minutes ago, Unit 4 turbo-generator at Ratcliffe-on-Soar power station desynced from the GB grid system, marking the END of electricity generation from COAL after 142 years 🇬🇧🙏🏻 @RobBurnett92 and I present a 🪡🧵on the evolution of coal fired power from 1882 to today 1/n pic.twitter.com/Xk90RIg9qK
— James Watson CEng, FIET (@EngineerLondon) September 30, 2024
Despite the planned closure, it remains a poignant moment for those who dedicated their careers to the plant. “It’s an emotional day for me and the team,” said Peter O’Grady, Ratcliffe’s plant manager. “When I started my career 36 years ago, none of us anticipated a future without coal generation in our lifetimes. While climate change science was recognized, it wasn’t until the early 2000s that policies to phase out coal emerged.”
Ratcliffe was the only coal-fired power plant to later adopt advanced “scrubbing” technology to reduce nitrogen oxide and sulphur emissions. However, no cost-effective solution existed for the significant carbon dioxide emissions produced by coal plants. Since the first coal-fired power plant in Victorian London, the UK has burned around 4.6 billion tonnes of coal for electricity, contributing approximately 10.4 billion tonnes of CO2 to the atmosphere. This figure surpasses the total CO2 emissions from many other countries.
Phil MacDonald, managing director of energy think tank Ember, described the UK’s transition to cleaner power as remarkably swift. In 2012, coal provided nearly 40% of the UK’s electricity. Due to new policies and financial incentives for cleaner energy, coal’s share dropped to 7% by 2017 and around 2% since 2020.
Despite the urgent need to reduce CO2 emissions globally, coal demand continues to rise, especially in Asia. Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA), stated, “It is not enough to not build new coal plants; we must find ways to retire existing ones early.” The shift from fossil fuels also requires secure and affordable alternatives, as coal still supports livelihoods for 50 million people worldwide.
The UK’s journey away from coal and towards zero-carbon electricity will likely serve as a model for other nations.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Britannica outlines the Industrial Revolution’s intense transformation in western Europe, led by Britain, where technological advancements and commercial activity revolutionized economies and societies, driven by coal-rich regions and innovations like steam engines and railroads.(read more)
- Net Zero Investor reports the UK’s historic exit from coal, marking the end of an era, driven by renewable energy growth and legal challenges to new coal mines, emphasizing a just transition and ESG concerns.(read more)
- **Electrek.co** highlights the UK’s historic moment in energy transition as it closes its last coal power plant, marking a swift phase-out facilitated by policy changes, renewable investments, and carbon pricing.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What was the significance of the Ratcliffe-on-Soar power plant closure?
It marked the end of coal-fired electricity in the UK and a major step toward zero-carbon power.
When did the UK government announce the phase-out of coal for electricity?
The phase-out was announced in 2015 with a target completion by 2025.
How much power could Ratcliffe-on-Soar generate?
Ratcliffe-on-Soar could generate 2 gigawatts of electricity, enough for all homes in the East Midlands.
How much CO2 has the UK produced from coal electricity?
The UK has pumped about 10.4bn tonnes of CO2 into the atmosphere.
What is the current global trend in coal demand?
Global demand for coal is still rising, particularly in Asia.
