The Last Coal-Fired Steam Power Plant Closure: A New Chapter in the UK’s Renewable Energy

By: Devira Khumaira

“The era of coal might be ending, but a new age of good energy jobs for our country is just beginning,” stated the UK Minister of Energy, Michael Shanks. This statement was made following the official closure of Ratcliffe-on-Soar—the last remaining coal-fired steam power plant in the UK—on Monday, September 30, 2024 (Aljazeera, 2024). The closure of the coal-fired steam power plant located in Nottinghamshire also marks the end of coal as a power generation source in the UK after more than 140 years of usage. With the closure of Ratcliffe-on-Soar, the UK becomes the first member of the Group of Seven (G7)—an assembly of the world’s largest advanced economies, including the United Kingdom (UK), the United States (US), Canada, France, Germany, Italy, and Japan—to cease the use of coal for electricity production (Twidale, 2024).
It is important to note that the UK is the birthplace of coal-fired steam power plant, which served as the catalyst for the Industrial Revolution. Holborn Viaduct—the world’s first coal-fired steam power plant—was established in London by Thomas Alva Edison in 1882. From the early 19th century until the early 20th century, coal became the primary energy source driving both industry and households in the UK (Poynting & Stallard, 2024). By 1990, coal usage began to decline, though not significantly. Over time, proactive government policies aimed at fostering the energy transition substantially reduced its usage. Data from the National Grid reveal that coal provided 80% of the UK’s electricity supply in 1990, 30% in 2019, and just 1% by 2023 (Aljazeera, 2024).
There are at least two fundamental reasons underlying the UK’s decision to end coal usage and transition to renewable energy. First, the UK’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions. The country has pledged to achieve its target of net zero emissions by 2050 (Aljazeera, 2024). By discontinuing coal, one of the most polluting energy sources, the UK aims to reduce its carbon footprint gradually. Second, the potential benefits derived from transitioning to renewable energy. A report by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) indicates that the current operational costs of wind power plant and solar power plant are significantly more affordable than the operational costs of coal-fired steam power plant (Burdett-Gardiner, 2023).
The closure of the last coal-fired steam power plant in the UK, marking the end of coal usage for electricity generation, brings several implications. One of the key implications is that it demonstrates the UK’s leadership in the transition to renewable energy, serving as a catalyst for other countries to take similar actions. “I think it’s made a big difference, because you need someone to point to and say ‘There, they’ve done it. Why can’t we do it?’” said Dave Jones, director of the Global Insights Programme at Ember. Additionally, the cessation of coal usage is expected to stimulate investment, create green jobs, and enhance national energy security through the diversification of energy sources.
However, alongside these positive implications, challenges remain that need to be addressed. While coal is one of the most polluting energy sources, its advantage lies in continuous availability. This contrasts with renewable energy sources such as wind and solar, whose availability depends on weather conditions (Poynting & Stallard, 2024). Therefore, the UK must remain agile and adaptive in responding to the challenges posed by the energy transition.

References:
Aljazeera. (2024, September 30). UK's Last Coal-Fired Power Plant to Close After More than 100 Years. Retrieved October 4, 2024 from https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/9/30/uks-last-coal-fired-power-plant-to-close-after-more-than-100-years
Burdett-Gardiner, R. (2023, July 26). Report Says New Solar and Wind Project will be Cheaper than Coal. Retrieved October 4, 2024 from https://www.renewableenergyhub.co.uk/blog/report-says-new-solar-and-wind-projects-will-be-cheaper-than-coal
Poynting, E., & Stallard, E. (2024, October 1). UK to Finish with Coal Power After 142 Years. Retrieved October 4, 2024 form https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5y35qz73n8o
Twidale, S. (2024, September 30). Britain to Become First G7 Country to End Coal Power as Last Plant Closes. Retrieved October 4, 2024 from https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/climate-energy/britain-become-first-g7-country-end-coal-power-last-plant-closes-2024-09-29/