UK Closes Last Coal-Fired Power Plant
The Facts
The UK will close its last coal-fired power plant on Monday, ending 142 years of coal-generated electricity that goes back to the time of the Industrial Revolution.
By shuttering the Ratcliffe-on-Soar plant in the East Midlands, in operation since 1967, it culminates a nearly decade-long process to shift away from coal — considered the worst fossil fuel in terms of emissions.
The Spin
The closure of the UK's last coal-fired power plant is a huge milestone and is an exemplary success story in how to move away from damaging fossil fuels towards renewable energy. This is global leadership, paving the way for other countries to follow.
While the closure of Ratcliffe-on-Soar has a beneficial impact on the release of greenhouse gases, it presents challenges as it leaves the UK exposed to volatile gas prices. Figures show that the UK pays more than any other nation for energy and this has an impact on economic competitiveness.
