The United Kingdom has officially closed its last coal power plant, located at Ratcliffe-on-Soar, as of September 30, 2024. This significant move marks the end of coal electricity generation in the UK after over 140 years, positioning the country as the first wealthy industrial nation to exit coal use. The transition to renewable energy sources is part of the UK’s commitment to clean energy, with nuclear power remaining a key component of its energy mix.
Previously, Prime Minister Boris Johnson had advanced the coal phase-out date to 2024, emphasizing a future focused solely on clean energy production. Michael Shanks, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Energy, stated that coal workers can take pride in having powered the nation for over a century, while also highlighting the emergence of new job opportunities in renewable sectors such as wind energy and carbon capture technologies.
Shanks further noted that this transition will enhance the UK’s energy security and independence, protect families from rising global fossil fuel prices, and contribute to job creation and climate change mitigation. Historically, coal was the primary source of electricity in the UK, accounting for nearly all power generation a century ago, but now represents only 1.3% of the energy mix in 2023.
The UK’s quicker transition away from coal compared to Germany can be attributed to its continued reliance on nuclear energy. Germany plans to phase out coal by 2038, with discussions ongoing to potentially expedite this to 2030.
Since the opening of its first coal plant in 1882, the UK has burned approximately 4.6 billion tons of coal, producing 10.4 billion tons of carbon dioxide. A government advisor on climate matters stated that the UK is ahead of other G7 economies regarding coal phase-out.
The closure of the Ratcliffe-on-Soar plant is viewed as a significant event on local, national, and international levels, having opened in 1968 and receiving its last coal shipment of 1,650 tons just this June. Researchers estimate that to meet climate goals and limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, around 60% of oil and gas reserves and 90% of coal reserves must remain underground.