October 2, 2024 - The United Kingdom has officially closed its last coal-fired power plant, marking the end of coal use to generate electricity in the country. This closure comes a year earlier than initially anticipated. The UK had already dramatically reduced coal’s share of the power mix, from 39% in 2012 to just 2% in 2020.  

The UK is among several countries that have rapidly reduced coal use in recent years, according to WRI analysis. Its pace of coal phase-out closely mirrors the reductions needed globally to keep the world aligned with 1.5 degrees of warming. It is estimated that the world will need to scale down coal power from 35.5% of electricity generation in 2023 to 4% by 2030.  

Following is a statement from Jennifer Layke, Global Director, Energy, World Resources Institute:  

“The UK spearheaded the coal-powered industrial revolution over 250 years ago and is now demonstrating the viability of a 21st-century clean power transformation.  

“Currently, the UK is leading the way with impressive speed in phasing out coal power generation. Policies such as carbon pricing and renewable auctions helped bring scale to the renewable energy economy. Industrial coal use remains, but the country also set records last year with electrification via heat pumps in both industrial and home use, cutting the need for coal and fossil gas in heating. To continue progress, the government must now turn its sights to policies and timelines that transition British industry away from oil and fossil gas. Acting on recent discussions of increasing windfall taxation and reducing subsidies could accelerate investments in clean alternatives.

“Bringing affordable, reliable clean energy to all people is a goal all governments should deliver. The UK’s coal power phaseout sets a strong example for others and marks a significant step in eliminating coal use entirely.

“This latest announcement represents a major step by one of the world’s largest economies, illustrating that political will, coupled with a comprehensive strategy, can propel countries much closer to a zero-carbon future.”