UK Stopped Coal

⚡ The UK Stopped Coal: A Climate Success Story ⚡

With all the negative headlines in recent weeks, it's easy to overlook the positive ones but -- last year, the UK marked a major climate milestone by desyncing its final coal-fired power station! This step makes the UK the first G7 country to eliminate coal power, closing a 142-year chapter of coal-generated electricity.

🔄 How Did the UK Achieve This? In just 12 years, coal's share of the UK's energy mix dropped from 39% in 2012 to just 1% in 2023.

Key strategies included: 🔼 Decarbonisation Targets: The UK set an ambitious 2025 phase-out date, pushing coal plants to close or transition early. 🔷 Carbon Pricing: Rising costs for coal pollution made it less viable. 🌬️ Renewable Energy Support: Offshore wind became a key focus, with wind and solar growing from 6% in 2012to 34% in 2023. 📈 Market Reforms: Policy changes gave renewable developers stability and encouraged investments in clean energy infrastructure.

🌍 What Impact Has This Had? 💨 Power sector emissions have plummeted by 75% since 2012, avoiding 880 million tonnes of CO2 emissions — more than double the UK's total annual emissions in 2023. 📊 Global Leadership: The UK joins countries like Sweden, Portugal, and Norway in phasing out coal, inspiring other nations to follow suit.

💡 What’s Next? Experts say the UK's success provides a blueprint for tackling the next big challenge: cutting imported gas.

Source: EuroNews Image: Rui Vera, AP