30 September 2024 marks a significant day in energy production. After 57 years in operation, the last coal power plant in Britain, located in Nottinghamshire, will generate its last bit of energy. The closure of the plant brings to an end 142 years of coal-fired electricity in Britain and paves the way for cleaner, renewable energy to be built in Britain.
The site has been responsible for creating enough energy to make one billion cups of tea per day since 1967, and is estimated to have taken 141,768 coal deliveries by rail since it opened. However, the closure of this plant is a key step in the "global route to decarbonisation" according to Mike Lewis, CEO of Uniper which owns the site.
Once the site has been decommissioned, it will be demolished, though this could take up to two years. This will then make way for a clean energy park and the site owners, Uniper, are positive about the change.
Plant Manager Peter O'Grady said "It's a major thing – this is the end of coal-fire generation in the UK. When I started in the industry, 80% of the UK's power was from coal, and by the end of next week it will be zero and the lights have stayed on." He also added that "In terms of decommissioning, we don't see that as ending, we see that as creating a new future."
