On Monday, September 30, the UK achieved a significant milestone by shutting down its last remaining coal-fired power plant, Ratcliffe-on-Soar, marking the end of over a century of coal-generated electricity in the country. This closure, completed ahead of the 2025 target, solidifies the UK’s commitment to transitioning to cleaner energy sources. Coal, which once supplied over 95% of the nation’s energy, has been reduced to just 1% as of 2023. The UK has diversified its energy mix, with renewable energy accounting for more than 40% of electricity generation. Wind and solar power play prominent roles, with nuclear energy contributing 15%.
In 2024, the UK has made substantial progress in its energy transition, with renewables accounting for a record 51.6% of electricity generation, up from 41.7% in 2023. This is the third consecutive quarter that renewable energy has exceeded 50% of the energy mix, driven primarily by wind power, which has overtaken gas as the leading source of electricity. Fossil fuels, including gas and coal, have reached historic lows, with gas generation dropping by 37% and coal falling by 58%, now contributing less than 1% to the UK’s energy supply. This progress came as the UK approached its 2025 target of phasing out unabated coal entirely by this October.
The UK’s 2025 target focuses on the complete phase-out of unabated coal in electricity generation. This goal is part of a broader strategy to reduce carbon emissions and transition to cleaner energy sources. The UK government set this target to eliminate the use of coal without carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology by October 2024, ensuring coal is no longer part of the energy mix unless paired with technology that captures emissions.
This target aligns with the UK’s net-zero emissions by 2050 commitment and the intermediary goal of reducing carbon emissions by 68% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. Phasing out coal is crucial in meeting these climate goals, as coal is one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. The success of this transition relies heavily on expanding renewable energy and increasing the role of low-carbon technologies like offshore wind, solar, and nuclear power.
The closure of coal-fired plants like Ratcliffe-on-Soar is not just a symbolic gesture but a real step towards reducing harmful emissions. These plants were notorious for emitting large quantities of greenhouse gases and pollutants such as sulfur dioxide and particulate matter, contributing significantly to air pollution and climate change.
In Serbia, the reliance on lignite coal, one of the dirtiest types of coal, exacerbates air pollution. According to data, cities like Belgrade, Niš and Valjevo regularly experience alarming levels of PM2.5 particulate matter, a major cause of respiratory issues. The record of European Environmental Agency shows that in 2021 the estimated number of deaths related to the air polution in Serbia was more than 17 000. In fact, a 2020 report showed that Serbia’s coal plants were some of the largest contributors to sulfur dioxide pollution in Europe, exceeding emission limits. This highlights the urgent need for Serbia to modernize its energy infrastructure and follow the example of other European contries in phasing out coal power.
As we approach the heating season, which is always accompanied by extreme air pollution in Serbia, the UK’s experience shows that a carefully planned transition is feasible, with sufficient investment in renewables and an emphasis on reducing the environmental impact of energy production. The closure of its last coal plant demonstrates that „miracles“ could happen, and nations can take bold steps to meet climate targets while also reaping the benefits of cleaner air and healthier communities.