The end of an era: Britain's transition from coal-fired power to renewable energy
Introduction
On September 30, 2024, the UK’s last coal-fired power plant, Ratcliffe-on-Soar in Nottinghamshire, ceased operations, marking the end of a 142-year history of coal-powered electricity in the country. This milestone symbolises a significant shift in the UK's energy landscape as the nation moves from being a global leader in coal-based power generation during the Industrial Revolution to a pioneer in renewable energy. The transformation is a testament to the UK's climate leadership and a reflection of broader global energy trends.
This article delves into the history, the present state of energy in the UK, and the trends that have emerged from analysing the power stations that powered the nation.
A history of British coal
Coal has played an essential role in Britain's history, with roots stretching back to the Roman era. However, its central role in electricity generation began in 1882 with the opening of the world's first coal-fired power station, the Holborn Viaduct, in London. Coal quickly became the backbone of the UK’s energy supply, powering homes, industries, and transport throughout the 20th century. By the 1980s, coal generated around 80% of the UK’s electricity.
The rise of coal as a primary energy source was driven by its abundance and affordability. Britain’s coalfields in regions like Wales, Yorkshire, and the Midlands allowed the country to build a robust energy infrastructure. Coal-powered electricity transformed British cities, enabling rapid industrialisation and urbanisation. The industry thrived, with power stations like Ferrybridge, Cottam, and Ratcliffe-on-Soar becoming household names synonymous with energy production.
The environmental costs of coal
Despite its economic benefits, coal has significant environmental drawbacks. Burning coal releases large amounts of carbon dioxide (CO₂), significantly contributing to global warming. In addition, coal combustion produces other harmful pollutants, such as sulphur dioxide (SO₂) and nitrogen oxides (NOₓ), which contribute to acid rain and respiratory health problems. These environmental impacts increased pressure on the UK government and power producers to transition to cleaner energy sources.
By the late 1990s, the environmental impact of coal and the growing urgency of climate change prompted a re-evaluation of the UK’s energy strategy. International agreements like the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement reinforced the need for developed nations to reduce their carbon footprints, and coal's dominance in the UK’s energy mix began to wane.
The role of fossil fuels in the UK's energy mix
Beyond coal, other fossil fuels like oil and natural gas have played critical roles in the UK's energy landscape. Oil was a significant power source until the 1970s, particularly for transportation and heating, but it became less prominent in electricity generation over time. Gas emerged as an essential player in the 1990s, especially after the discovery of substantial reserves in the North Sea. Natural gas provided a cleaner alternative to coal, emitting about half the CO₂ of coal per unit of electricity produced, making it an attractive transitional fuel.
The "dash for gas" in the 1990s saw a wave of gas-fired power stations constructed across the UK, fundamentally reshaping the electricity market. Gas plants like Peterhead and Grangemouth played vital roles in providing stable energy supplies and balancing the grid, especially as renewables like wind and solar began contributing more to the energy mix.
Natural gas offered a crucial flexibility to the energy grid, capable of ramping up quickly to meet demand when renewable sources like wind and solar were insufficient due to weather conditions. However, while gas was cleaner than coal, it still contributed to greenhouse gas emissions, leading to calls for further reductions and a shift toward fully renewable and low-carbon energy sources.
The fall of coal: Trends in power station closures
The decline of coal-fired power has been swift. Analysis of the UK's power station data reveals that between 2010 and 2024, numerous coal power stations shut down as part of a broader decarbonisation strategy. Regulatory pressure, rising carbon taxes, and the decreasing cost of renewable energy drove this shift. For example, the Longannet Power Station in Scotland, which once boasted a capacity of 2,400 MW, closed in 2016. Large coal plants like Ferrybridge, Cottam, and West Burton have also shut down in recent years. Ratcliffe-on-Soar, the last coal plant standing, had initially planned to close in 2022 but extended its life due to the European energy crisis triggered by the war in Ukraine. This delay allowed it to continue providing backup power during a time of need but ultimately did not change the UK’s trajectory toward a coal-free future.
The pattern of closures shows that coal power, which made up 40% of the UK’s electricity in 2012, fell to less than 2% by 2024. A surge matched this decline in coal in renewables, particularly wind power, which has become a cornerstone of the UK's energy mix.

Image credit: sandy harvey/shutterstock.com
Image description: Longannet Power Station with the Ochil Hills in the background. At the time of its operation, Longannet was one of the largest coal-fired power stations in Europe and the last large coal plant in Scotland before its closure. 1967 to 2013.
A new dawn: rise of wind power
As coal power stations went offline, wind power emerged as a significant contributor to the UK’s energy grid. Data on onshore and offshore wind farms illustrates this trend. For instance, the Whitelee Wind Farm in Scotland, commissioned in 2009 and later expanded, became one of Europe's largest onshore wind farms, with a capacity of 539 MW. Similarly, the Clyde Wind Farm in South Lanarkshire, with a capacity of 522 MW, highlights Scotland’s strong emphasis on wind power as a critical energy source.
Offshore wind also gained momentum, with projects like the Beatrice Wind Farm in the Moray Firth, featuring 84 turbines and a capacity of 588 MW, coming online in 2018. These projects have capitalised on the UK’s geographic advantage, with strong winds and a long coastline providing ideal conditions for large-scale offshore wind farms.
The shift toward wind power aligns with global trends and is particularly evident in Scotland, home to a significant proportion of the UK’s wind capacity. As of 2024, wind power accounted for over 30% of the UK's electricity generation, positioning the nation as a global leader in harnessing wind energy.
Analysis of power station trends: capacity and transition
The power station data highlights a clear trend: a shift from large, centralised fossil fuel power plants to a more diversified and renewable-based energy system.
Here are some key observations in the shift away from coal:
- Decreasing average capacity of new plants: While coal and nuclear plants like Longannet (2,400 MW) and Dungeness B (1,100 MW) provided large capacities, recent renewable energy projects, primarily onshore wind farms, tend to be smaller in scale. Most onshore wind farms, such as the Fairburn Estate (40 MW) and Earlsburn (37.5 MW), reflect this trend toward smaller, distributed generation assets.
- Rapid expansion of wind capacity: The UK’s wind capacity expanded significantly between 2000 and 2024, as seen in projects like the Whitelee and Clyde wind farms. These projects are indicative of the strategic investments made in renewable energy infrastructure.
- Regional focus on renewables: Scotland has emerged as a hub for renewable energy, with many of the UK’s largest wind farms. This focus aligns with Scotland’s ambitious climate goals, which aim to reach net-zero emissions before the rest of the UK.
- Decline in fossil fuels and rise in naturasl gas: While coal has been phased out, natural gas has played a transitional role in the UK’s energy mix. Gas-fired power stations like Peterhead and Grangemouth have provided the flexibility to balance intermittent renewable generation. Still, gas’s role is expected to diminish as energy storage technologies become more viable.
- The Importance of a just transition: Efforts to support displaced workers have characterised the transition away from coal. For instance, many former coal plant employees at Ratcliffe were offered training and opportunities in renewable energy and decommissioning work. This emphasis on a "just transition" has been critical in maintaining social support for the energy shift.
The role of energy policy in driving change
Government policy has been central to the UK’s energy transition. Introducing the Carbon Price Support mechanism in 2013 made coal generation more expensive, accelerating the shift to cleaner sources. Coupled with the Renewable Obligation and later the Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme, these policies made wind and solar power increasingly competitive.
The UK’s decision to host the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow was a testament to its leadership in global climate policy. By bringing forward the coal phase-out to 2024 and setting ambitious renewable energy targets, the UK aimed to position itself as a model for other countries. This leadership has been reflected internationally, with many OECD countries following the UK’s example and committing to end coal use within the next decade.

Image credit: Dale Kelly/shutterstock.com
Image description: Whitelee windfarm is the largest onshore wind farm in the UK and one of the largest in Europe, with over 200 turbines spread across a wide area. It plays a crucial role in Scotland’s renewable energy generation.
Challenges and opportunities for clean energy
While the closure of Ratcliffe and the rise of renewable energy are significant achievements, the UK's energy transition faces ongoing challenges. The energy crisis 2022, triggered by geopolitical tensions, underscored the need for energy security and the role of gas as a backup to renewables. As gas prices soared, it highlighted the importance of developing energy storage solutions and investing in grid infrastructure to support a renewables-dominated system.
The next phase of the transition will focus on reducing reliance on gas, developing hydrogen as a clean energy carrier, and expanding battery storage capacity. Offshore wind is set to play a vital role, with the government aiming for 50 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030. Achieving these goals will require sustained investment innovation and policies that ensure a fair transition for workers and communities affected by the shift away from fossil fuels.
Energy security amidst a transition to renewables
Although the UK’s phase-out of coal power has undeniably reduced its domestic carbon emissions, this transition has not been without trade-offs. As domestic coal mines closed and coal-fired power stations were decommissioned, the UK increasingly turned to natural gas to fill the gap. Natural gas, though cleaner than coal, still emits significant CO₂ when burned.
Initially, much of the UK's gas came from the North Sea, supporting energy independence. But as the Scottish and UK governments have focused on reducing reliance on the north sea oil industry, the UK has become more reliant on imports to meet its energy needs. This includes liquefied natural gas (LNG) from countries like Qatar and pipeline gas from Norway, as well as more recent imports from the United States. In the wake of geopolitical events such as the war in Ukraine, the UK's reliance on imported gas has heightened concerns about energy security. With Russia’s invasion of Ukraine disrupting gas supplies across Europe, the UK was reminded of the vulnerabilities that come with dependence on global energy markets.
A separate article is available in our news section on this topic.
The impact on building energy ratings
The decline in coal and other fossil fuel use for electricity generation has had a positive ripple effect on the UK's building energy ratings. As the national grid has become cleaner, with a larger share of electricity generated from low-carbon sources like wind and solar, the carbon intensity of the energy supplied to homes and businesses has decreased. This shift has improved buildings' overall energy performance ratings, as their associated CO₂ emissions from electricity consumption are now lower. With reduced emissions, buildings can achieve better Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings, which are critical for meeting regulations and attracting investment in real estate. Improved EPC ratings can lead to higher property values, lower energy costs, and a reduced environmental footprint, making the transition from coal and other fossil fuels a win-win for both the environment and the economy. As the UK continues decarbonising its energy system, the potential for further improvements in building energy efficiency remains strong, supporting the nation’s broader climate goals.
Conclusion: A historic turning point
The shutdown of Ratcliffe-on-Soar marks the end of a chapter that began with the Holborn Viaduct power station in 1882. The UK’s transition from coal to renewables is a story of rapid change driven by policy, market forces, and a collective recognition of the need for climate action. As the country looks to the future, its experience offers valuable lessons for other nations seeking to balance economic growth with environmental stewardship.
With the closure of its last coal plant, the UK has positioned itself as a leader in the global energy transition. The challenge now lies in sustaining this momentum, ensuring that the benefits of clean energy are widely shared, and building a resilient, net-zero energy system that can serve as a blueprint for the world. The shift away from fossil fuels might have reduced the UK's inhouse carbon footprint and brought about broader benefits, such as improved energy efficiency in buildings and a cleaner atmosphere but to what extent has it offshored it? Read more about offshoring carbon emissions.
Appendix: significant renewable energy power producers in Scotland
Scotland has made significant strides in renewable energy, leveraging its natural geography for wind, hydroelectric, and tidal power generation. Here are some of the largest renewable power facilities in Scotland.
Facility | Location | Capacity | Opened/Commissioned | Type | Description |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Whitelee Wind Farm | East Renfrewshire, South Lanarkshire, and East Ayrshire | 539 MW | 2009 (expansions in 2013) | Onshore Wind | Largest onshore wind farm in the UK with over 200 turbines, playing a crucial role in Scotland’s renewable energy generation. |
Beatrice Offshore Wind Farm | Moray Firth (Northeast of Scotland) | 588 MW | 2018 | Offshore Wind | One of the most significant offshore wind projects in Scottish waters, with 84 turbines supplying power to thousands of homes. |
Cruachan Power Station (Pumped Storage Hydro) | Argyll and Bute | 440 MW | 1965 | Hydroelectric Pumped Storage | Known as the "Hollow Mountain," it helps balance the grid by storing energy and releasing it during peak demand. |
Foyers Hydroelectric Power Station | Highland | 300 MW | Reconfigured in 1971 | Hydroelectric | Located on Loch Ness's shores, it is one of the larger hydroelectric schemes contributing to renewable energy production and grid stability. |
Moray East Offshore Wind Farm | Moray Firth | 950 MW (projected) | 2021 | Offshore Wind | A large-scale offshore wind project that significantly contributes to Scotland's renewable energy capacity. |
SSE Hydro Scheme (Multiple Locations) | Across Highlands and other areas | Over 1,000 MW (combined) | N/A | Hydroelectric | Includes small schemes and larger installations like Sloy (152.5 MW) and Tummel Bridge, enhancing Scotland’s hydroelectric capacity. |