The UK Has No Coal-Fired Power Plants for the First Time in 142 Years
On Monday, the UK marked the closure of its last operational coal power plant, Ratcliffe-on-Soar, which had been in operation since 1968. This closure, which involved a capacity of 2,000 megawatts, officially ended the country’s long history of coal use, dating back to the establishment of its first coal-fired power station in 1882. Over the years, coal played a pivotal role in the UK’s power system, at times contributing over 90% of the total electricity generated.
Several factors have contributed to the long-term decline of coal in the UK. The rise of natural gas-powered plants and renewable energy sources, coupled with stricter pollution controls and carbon pricing, has shifted the energy landscape. Additionally, the UK government has set a target to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, further diminishing coal's viability.
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