End of an era as Britain’s last coal-fired power plant shuts down

Britain’s last coal power plant, Ratcliffe-on-Soar in Nottinghamshire, shut down on 30 September 2024, after 57 years of operation, marking the end of the UK’s 142-year reliance on coal power. The closure aligns with the government’s coal phase-out policy, aimed at reducing carbon emissions and demonstrating international climate leadership. Once employing 3,000 engineers, the plant's workforce has declined in line with its power output over recent years. The closure has been praised by environmental groups and officials as a major achievement for the government in reducing the UK’s carbon emissions, providing international climate leadership, and ensuring a just transition for staff in Britain’s coal industry. Uniper, the plant’s owner, has supported staff in transitioning to new roles, with over 100 remaining for decommissioning work. The UK was the first country to commit to phasing out coal by 2025, later advancing the deadline to 2024. Officials stress the need to now focus on moving away from gas and expanding renewable energy sources.