Nottinghamshire's Ratcliffe-on-Soar power station, which supplied the country with electricity for 57 years, has officially ceased generating electricity. The event ends 142 years of Britain's reliance on coal, which began in 1882 when the world's first coal-fired power station opened in London.

Coal used to be the largest contributor to the UK’s energy mix. In 2012, it accounted for nearly 39% of the country’s electricity production. Since then, renewable energy sources have grown rapidly, gradually replacing coal. According to data from Ember, coal has accounted for less than 2% of the country’s electricity as of 2019.

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Vehicles pass Ratcliffe-on-Soar power station in Nottingham, England, on September 29. Photo: theglobeandmail

The UK has announced a roadmap to phase out coal power by 2025. The country wants a completely carbon-free electricity system by 2030.

Wind and solar are the main alternatives to coal. The UK has introduced policies to support offshore wind, reformed markets to promote renewable energy and invested in the grid.

The benefits of Britain moving away from coal include a significant reduction in carbon emissions. Replacing coal with wind and solar power has saved around £2.9bn.

In fact, more than a third of OECD countries are coal-free, and three-quarters of them will be coal-free by 2030. Rapid growth in solar and wind power is driving an 87% reduction in coal demand over this period.

Coal used to be associated with industrial growth. Now, clean energy is driving economies around the world, said Phil MacDonald, chief executive of global energy think tank Ember.

The transition from coal to renewables is happening rapidly, supported by government policies, decarbonisation commitments and the growth of wind and solar power.

By phasing out coal, the UK is setting an example for other countries looking towards a green energy transition.

(According to IE)