(Commonwealth_UK) The final coal-fired power station in the UK, Ratcliffe-on-Soar, owned by Uniper, ceased operations on Monday, marking the end of a 142-year history of coal usage for electricity generation in the country. Shortly after 3 PM, the site’s turbo-generator officially “desynced” from the national grid.
In 1882, the UK became the first country to harness coal for public power generation, and now, as it closes this chapter, it stands as the first G7 nation to fully phase out coal. The expansion of renewable energy sources like solar and offshore wind has largely facilitated this significant transition, effectively replacing coal’s role in the energy mix.
Historically, coal accounted for approximately 80% of the UK’s power needs in 1990; however, its contribution has drastically declined as part of broader efforts to combat climate change. However, the UK has experienced the highest industrial power prices among developed nations due to its reliance on volatile natural gas prices during this transition. This trend has raised concerns about the competitiveness of UK manufacturing, exemplified by the recent cessation of operations at the country’s largest virgin steelworks.
Since September 2023, Ratcliffe-on-Soar has stood as the last coal-fired power station in the UK. Recent years have primarily maintained such facilities in reserve to address potential generation challenges, particularly during the colder winter months. The past year saw no coal-fired plants paid to be on standby, a decrease from five in the 2022/23 period. In recent years, coal has contributed less than 1% to the UK’s electricity generation; however, on its final operational day, Ratcliffe produced 0.7% of the country’s electricity. The station, which has been operational since 1968, could supply power to approximately two million households and employ 170 staff, most of whom will remain during the two-year decommissioning process.
Dhara Vyas, Deputy Chief Executive of Energy UK, mentioned, that a decade ago, coal was the principal source of power in this nation, producing a third of our electricity. To reach this point today, with coal’s role supplanted by clean, low-carbon sources, is a remarkable achievement. As we pursue further ambitious targets in our energy transition, it is important to acknowledge that few anticipated such rapid change a decade ago.”
The UK government, under its current Labour administration, aims to achieve net-zero emissions from electricity generation by 2030. Key initiatives include lifting the de facto ban on onshore wind farms to enhance renewable energy production.
Energy Minister Michael Shanks remarked, “The closure of Ratcliffe signifies the end of an era, and coal workers can take pride in their contributions to powering our country for over 140 years. As we move away from coal, we enter a new age focused on creating energy jobs. The government’s clean energy superpower mission is to create sustainable employment in wind power and emerging technologies such as carbon capture and storage. This transition is critical for enhancing our energy security and independence while protecting families from international fossil fuel price fluctuations and addressing climate change.” The closure of Ratcliffe-on-Soar represents a pivotal moment in the UK’s energy landscape, emphasizing the commitment to a sustainable, low-carbon future.
