Rishi Sunak's weakening of UK net-zero policy is an unhelpful delay
New ScientistSEP 12 2023
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.The UK will close its last coal-fired power plant on Monday, ending 142 years of coal-generated electricity dating back to 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 closure of the Ratcliffe-on-Soar plant in England's East Midlands, which has been in operation since 1967, culminates a nearly decade-long process to shift away from coal which produces the most greenhouse emissions when burnt.
In doing so, the UK becomes the first G7 nation to phase out use of the energy source — although it was pipped to the mark by other European nations including Sweden and Belgium.Despite European countries such as Sweden and Belgium already completing their transition away from coal, the UK becomes the first G7 nation to phase out use of the energy source. In 2012, coal accounted for 39% of UK power.
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.