UK Shuts Down Last Coal Power Station

The UK has officially closed its last coal-fired power station, Ratcliffe-on-Soar, marking a historic milestone as the first industrialized nation to completely phase out coal from electricity generation. Operational since 1967, Ratcliffe has been vital in meeting the UK's energy demands, providing power to around two million homes at its peak. The closure aligns with the UK's commitment to decarbonizing its electricity by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, following a significant reduction in coal's contribution to the energy mix from 40% in 2012 to just 1% last year. This transition has seen a corresponding rise in renewable energy sources, particularly wind and solar, which now account for over half of the UK's electricity supply. The decommissioning of Ratcliffe will take two years, with Uniper planning to develop a carbon-free technology hub at the site. The UK aims to set an example for other countries as they move away from fossil fuels, with other G7 nations planning to follow suit in the coming years.