The United Kingdom has officially closed the chapter on coal-fired power, ending its 142-year history of coal use for electricity generation. As of September 30, 2024, the country decommissioned its last coal power plant, making the UK the first G7 nation to eliminate coal from its energy mix.
This milestone marks a significant step in the global transition towards renewable energy, with solar and wind energy now positioned to drive the UK’s energy future. The closure of the coal plant in Nottinghamshire highlights the country’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and moving away from fossil fuels.
According to Ember, an energy think tank, coal generation across Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries has declined by 52% since its peak in 2007, with renewable energy sources accounting for the majority of that reduction.
Dave Jones, Global Insights Programme Director at Ember, emphasized the symbolic importance of the UK’s transition: “Once, coal power was synonymous with industrial growth. Now, clean energy is fueling the industries of tomorrow.” The UK joins 13 other OECD countries that have already achieved coal-free power, with others aiming for a full phase-out by 2030.
In 2012, coal provided 40% of the UK’s electricity. By 2019, it had dropped to just 2%, and now stands at zero. The Ratcliffe-on-Soar power station, the last coal-fired plant, officially shut down as the country increasingly relies on clean alternatives.
Globally, coal’s decline is gaining momentum, with many emerging economies shifting towards renewable energy sources. However, some countries, like Türkiye and Japan, have experienced slower progress in reducing coal dependence.
As the UK and other nations move towards a coal-free future, renewable energy is not only replacing fossil fuels but is also positioned to meet growing electricity demands, particularly with the rise of electric vehicles and other green technologies. This historic shift in energy production underscores the increasing role of clean energy in combating climate change and securing a sustainable future.
