Emily Player
Ratcliffe-On-Soar power station in action before its closure in September, 2024.
Background information.
On September 30th, 2024, the Ratcliffe-on-Soar power station officially closed, marking the end of coal-powered electricity generation in the United Kingdom. The country relied on coal during the Industrial Revolution, marking this step towards a greener future. The power station had been in operation since 1963 and, according to a 2009 report, had emitted 8-10 million tonnes of carbon dioxide annually. Through this venture, the British government hopes to have the country entirely powered by renewable energy by 2030.
Its role concerning climate change.
When fossil fuels, like coal, are burned, they release carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas. As they naturally absorb and re-emit heat trapped in Earth’s atmosphere, they enhance the greenhouse gas effect, contributing to global warming. As carbon dioxide remains in the atmosphere for a long time, the mass quantity of heat-trapping molecules in the atmosphere reinforces the positive feedback loop of constant heating. As coal is highly concentrated in carbon, its emission causes air and water pollution, adding to health concerns in major cities. Additionally, coal mining strips away natural land, rendering the soil and vegetation lifeless for essential ecosystems. By phasing out fossil fuels, the world can be protected from the worst effects of future climate change.
Conclusion: Climate Progressiveness
The United Kingdom was the first country in the G7 forum (United States, United Kingdom, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the European Union) to phase out coal entirely from its energy mix with the other nations aiming to phase out coal by 2030. By reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and investing more in renewables, we can provide a more energy-secure and sustainable future for the next generations if we can keep global warming to +1.5ᵒC.
Further reading.
Morrison, Hamish.“Coal Power Stations to Be Banned in UK in Bid to Tackle Pollution.”The National, Nov. 2024, www.thenational.scot/news/24723969.coal-power-stations-banned-uk-bid-tackle-pollution/.
“In a Climate Milestone, the UK – 1st to Harness Coal Power – Is among 1st to Quit It.” NPR, Oct. 2024, www.npr.org/2024/09/30/nx-s1-5133426/uk-quits-coal-climate-change.
“Europe’s Coal Exit.” Beyond Fossil Fuels, beyondfossilfuels.org/europes-coal-exit/.
Reuters. “Factbox: What Is the G7, Who Are Its Members, and What Does It Do?” Reuters, 11 Oct. 2022, www.reuters.com/world/what-is-g7-who-are-its-members-what-does-it-do-2022-10-11/.
Uniper. “The End of an Era - Ratcliffe-On-Soar Power Station Ends Coal Generation.” The End of an Era - Ratcliffe-On-Soar Power Station Ends Coal Generation, Uniper, Oct. 2024, www.uniper.energy/news/the-end-of-an-era---ratcliffe-on-soar-power-station-ends-coal-generation.
Jaeger, Joel. “These 10 Countries Are Phasing out Coal the Fastest.” Www.wri.org, 30 Nov. 2023, www.wri.org/insights/countries-phasing-out-coal-power-fastest.
“When Will Countries Phase out Coal Power?” Our World in Data, ourworldindata.org/coal-phase-out.
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