For the last 142 years, coal has been utilised as a key electricity source. Since the first coal-fired station began operations in 1882, coal has powered homes and businesses across the nation. However, this long-standing reliance on coal is coming to an end, as the UK decommissions its last coal-fired plant in Nottinghamshire.
The UK government has set out ambitious aims to achieve net zero emissions from electricity generation by 2030, and the elimination of coal as a power supply is a great step towards this. As a G7 nation, the UK is the first to stop using coal as a means of power generation. The UK government established the plan to phase out coal 3 years ago, and the timeline has been brought forward to October 2024.
Coal was a primary source of electricity for the UK for over a century, and in 2012, still generated 39% of the UK’s power. Electricity was provided through coal-fired plants, which would burn coal in a boiler to produce steam, that would then drive a turbine connected to a generator, converting mechanical energy into electrical energy.
The use of coal proved beneficial for many reasons, including being an affordable energy source that provides reliable and constant power that is available on demand to meet energy consumption requirements. This natural resource is also very easy to distribute, hence why it has been used as a source of energy in the UK for so long.
However, the disadvantages of coal and its impact on the environment are substantial. Coal is highly pollutive, contributing to negative environmental impacts and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Potential health issues can arise from its use, while also leading to the destruction of habitats, excessive water use, and the generation of large amounts of waste. Coal is also a non-renewable resource, making its continued use unsustainable in the long term.
Alternative power resources, including renewables and gas, have displaced coal, reducing its contribution to climate change by mitigating negative effects on the environment.
The closure of UK coal plants will greatly reduce the carbon footprint and bring significant environmental benefits. Repurposing old fossil fuel infrastructure, such as converting coal-fired stations into battery storage facilities or green industry projects, is one proposal under discussion.
Reference – https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c5y35qz73n8o