UK Leads G7 in Coal Phase-Out, Türkiye Sets Record

UK Ditches Coal-Fired Electricity

The UK's transition away from coal has not only reduced emissions but also saved an estimated £2.9 billion...

Learn about the transition to a renewable future, reducing carbon emissions and ensuring energy independence through solar, wind, and hydropower.

The UK has made history by becoming the first G7 nation to completely phase out coal-fired power, marking the end of a 142-year era. This monumental step forward in the global transition to cleaner energy was sealed with the decommissioning of the last coal power plant in the country on September 30. Located in Nottinghamshire, the Ratcliffe-on-Soar power plant was once a major coal-burning facility, but now it's embarking on a two-year decommissioning process.

This achievement is a testament to the UK's commitment to reducing emissions and transitioning to renewable energy sources. The country has made significant strides in decreasing its reliance on coal, from 40% of the power mix in 2012 to just 1.8% in 2020. The UK's success story serves as a model for other nations, demonstrating that a coal-free power system is achievable.

Key Factors Behind the UK's Coal Phase-Out:

Announcing a 2025 coal exit: Setting a clear deadline for coal phase-out

Putting a price on carbon: Implementing a carbon floor price to make coal less competitive

Enabling new offshore wind projects: Investing in renewable energy sources

Wider market reforms: Encouraging the growth of clean energy

The UK's transition away from coal has not only reduced emissions but also saved an estimated £2.9 billion in costs. As the country continues to lead the way in clean energy, it's inspiring other nations to follow suit. The OECD countries, for instance, have collectively reduced their coal generation by half since 2007, largely due to the growing adoption of solar and wind energy.

“Coal generation in OECD countries has fallen by 52% since its peak in 2007.

“This dramatic decline has been largely attributed to renewable energy sources.

The UK has made history by becoming the 14th country in the OECD to eliminate coal from its power system, and the first G7 nation to do so. This milestone marks the end of a 142-year era of coal-powered electricity generation in the UK. Coal's contribution to the UK's energy mix has been declining significantly over the years. In 2012, it accounted for 40% of electricity generation, but by 2019, that figure had plummeted to just 2%, and now it's officially at zero.

This transition is a testament to the UK's commitment to reducing emissions and transitioning to renewable energy sources. As Dave Jones, Ember's director of global insights, aptly puts it, “Once, coal power was a byword for industrial growth. Now clean energy is driving economies – and not just in high-income countries, but throughout the world.” The UK's journey to a coal-free power system has been rapid, with coal power decreasing by 70% since 2015, while solar and wind energy have become increasingly cost-competitive.

Key Factors Behind the UK's Coal Phase-Out:

Announcing a 2025 coal exit: Setting a clear deadline for coal phase-out

Putting a price on carbon: Implementing a carbon floor price to make coal less competitive

Backing offshore wind: Investing in renewable energy sources

Market reforms: Encouraging the growth of clean energy

Investing in the grid: Upgrading infrastructure to support clean energy

The UK's coal phase-out has brought numerous benefits, including reducing emissions and costs. The rapid decline in coal power since 2012 has avoided 880 million tonnes of emissions, equivalent to more than double the UK's total economy-wide emissions in 2023. The replacement of coal with wind and solar has also saved an estimated £2.9 billion in costs.

“Wind and solar were responsible for 87 per cent of the fall in coal during this period,” Dave Jones, Global Insights Programme Director at Ember said.

“Now clean energy is being used to drive industrial growth.”

The UK's 142-year reliance on coal-fired electricity generation comes to an end today, September 30, as the last operating coal power plant, Ratcliffe-on-Soar in Nottinghamshire, shuts down. This milestone marks a significant shift towards cleaner energy sources, driven by increased renewable capacity.

The Ratcliffe-on-Soar power station, owned by Uniper, has been a major coal-burning facility since 1968. Its closure signifies the UK's commitment to reducing emissions and transitioning to renewable energy. This move aligns with the global trend of phasing out coal, reflecting the growing adoption of cleaner energy sources.

The decline of coal in OECD countries is a testament to the global shift towards renewable energy. Emerging economies are also embracing this transition, driven by decreasing costs and increasing efficiency of solar and wind power. As the world moves away from fossil fuels, the UK's achievement serves as a model for other nations.

Key highlights:

• 142-year coal-fired electricity generation era ends in the UK
• Ratcliffe-on-Soar power station, the last coal plant, closes on September 30
• UK's renewable energy capacity 
• drive coal phase-out
• Global trend: OECD countries reduce coal use, emerging economies shift to renewables

According to Ember's recent report, the UK's coal phase-out is a beacon of hope, but not all OECD countries are following suit. Notably, “Türkiye was the only OECD country to set a new coal power record in 2023,” highlighting the diverging paths taken by OECD nations.

In contrast to the UK's progress, countries like Japan and South Korea have made only modest reductions in their coal dependence. This slow pace of transition raises concerns about the ability of these nations to meet their climate goals.

The G7 countries, comprising the US, Canada, UK, Germany, France, Italy, and Japan, play a crucial role in the global energy transition. As leaders in the global economy, their energy policies and decisions have far-reaching implications. Ember's report serves as a reminder that concerted effort is needed from all G7 nations to accelerate the shift away from coal.

Key findings:

UK ends 142-year coal-fired electricity generation era

Türkiye sets new coal power record in 2023 (Ember report)

Japan and South Korea show slow progress in reducing coal dependence

G7 countries must lead the transition to renewable energy

The Group of Seven (G7) summit convenes annually to tackle pressing global issues, including economic growth, international security, trade policies, climate change, and other worldwide challenges.

A renewable future envisiones a global transition to energy systems powered primarily by solar, wind, and hydropower, phasing out fossil fuels. This strategic shift aims to:

•  Reduce carbon emissions
•  Combat climate change
•  Ensure long-term energy independence

Clean energy, generated from sources like solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal power, eliminates pollutants and greenhouse gases. Its adoption is vital for:

 Minimizing environmental impact

 Promoting sustainability

 Supporting global initiatives toward a low-carbon economy