The Ratcliffe-on-Soar power station, the final coal-fired power plant in the UK, is set to close on Monday. This event represents a major transformation in the country’s energy landscape as it increasingly embraces renewable energy sources.
Jess Ralston from the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit remarked, “This is a British success story overseen by successive governments of different political backgrounds. The phase-out highlights that despite current challenges, we can demonstrate leadership to the world by reducing our domestic emissions.”
Dr. Doug Parr, policy director for Greenpeace UK, pointed out that the closure signifies the end of a coal-burning era that lasted over 150 years. He noted that just over ten years ago, coal accounted for nearly 40% of the UK’s electricity generation. However, the rapid growth of renewable energy has rendered coal obsolete.
Ed Matthew from E3G praised the UK for being the first major economy to phase out coal power, saying, “This is true global leadership, setting an example for other countries to follow.”
Dave Jones from Ember highlighted the global trend towards renewable energy, stating, “The renewables revolution is accelerating worldwide, and soon, renewables will surpass coal as the largest source of global electricity.”
In response to the closure, Sue Ferns, Senior Deputy General Secretary of the Prospect union, expressed that it marks the end of an era and symbolizes the UK’s commitment to reaching net-zero emissions. She emphasized the need for the government to enhance support for clean energy infrastructure, jobs, and skills to ensure a fair transition to a low-carbon economy.
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