Coal ends following surge in renewable energy and decarbonisation of electricity, writes The Irish Times

As recently as 2012, the UK – the world’s sixth-largest economy – burned coal to generate nearly 40 per cent of its electricity. With the closure on Monday of Ratcliffe-on-Soar generation station in Nottingham, that figure reaches zero following a surge in renewable energy and decarbonisation of electricity.

During this period, wind and solar have risen from providing 6 per cent to 34 per cent of the UK’s electricity, while fossil gas generation has dipped compared to 2012. Wind now produces enough electricity to power 92 per cent of Britain’s 28 million homes.

With a target of decarbonising power generation by 2030, the UK government aims to double onshore wind, triple solar power and quadruple offshore wind.

‘European countries still burning coal should take heed’ the paper says.

“Coal hasn’t simply faded away – the UK has actively replaced it with healthier, cheaper, more secure renewable alternatives,” said Alexandru Mustață, campaigner with Beyond Fossil Fuels.

[ The Irish Times view on energy security: investment in renewables is vital ]

European countries still burning coal should take heed, he said. “With strong action against polluters, engaged civil society, and cross-party political consensus, a swift and just transition to a secure and affordable renewables-based power system is well within reach.”

Insights director at global energy think tank Ember Dave Jones said: “The renewables revolution is gathering pace around the world, and renewables will soon overtake coal as the single biggest source of global electricity. Once, coal power was a byword for industrial growth, now clean energy is driving economies.”