Last coal-fired power station in Britain closes down in landmark moment for clean energy

Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Get our free Climate email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Since then, 15 coal power plants closed or switched fuels and last year the fossil fuel made up just 1 per cent of the UK’s supply, according to data from National Grid’s electricity system operator. open image in gallery Ratcliffe-on-Soar power station was in use for nearly 60 years “As we aim for further ambitious targets in the energy transition, it’s worth remembering that few back then thought such a change at such a pace was possible.” In 2023, coal contributed just 1 per cent to the UK’s power supply, down from 39 per cent in 2012, according to data from the National Grid. “That work is helping boost our energy security and independence, protecting families from international hikes in the price of fossil fuels and with it, creating jobs and tackling climate change.” Energy secretary Ed Miliband said recently that switching to clean power is not just about fighting the climate crisis, but energy security, after rocketing gas prices in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine caused consumer bills to spiral in 2022 and 2023. Ms Ralston said: “The British public have been burnt by over-reliance on gas for electricity and home heating during the ongoing gas price crisis and keen to see the shift to renewables, not only to reduce emissions but to stabilise energy prices too.” open image in gallery The UK is seeking to ramp up the use of offshore wind in the coming years As for coal, many countries might be phasing it out, but the use of the fossil fuel globally for electricity still rose 1.1 per cent last year, according to energy analysis company Ember.