On September 30, the UK said goodbye to coal-powered electricity when the last coal-fired power plant in the country closed down. The shutdown of Ratcliffe-on Soar Power Station ends 142 years of coal-powered electricity in Britain. Coal is the dirtiest of fossil fuels. For a long time, the UK depended on coal for energy. Around 40 years ago, coal provided 80% of the UK’s electricity. However, in 2023, it provided less than 2%. Wind and solar power have become much cheaper, and are now the main sources of electricity in the UK. Other sources of electricity, like gas and nuclear power, have also helped replace coal.
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Did You Know?
England was the first country to begin burning coal in power plants. In 1882, the world’s first coal-burning power plant was built in London. Soon, coal was being used to power factories around the world. Before long, coal became the most popular fuel for creating electricity.