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Updated May 13, 2020

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UK coal use at record low

The UK has managed to go a full month without generating any energy from coal. Thanks to the drop in energy demand due to lockdown, National Grid confirmed this week that as of 10 May 2020, the UK had gone 30 days, seven hours and 36 minutes without coal power.

In May 2019, exactly one year ago, the country managed its first full week without coal generated electricity since 1882. Now 12 months on, the country has created a new record in energy production.

At the same time, energy supplier Drax confirmed that 70% of the UK's power during that period was provided by low carbon energy sources, with gas contributing 30%. The cleaner energy came from nuclear (21%), wind (18%) biomass (9%) and solar (8%).

The UK is already committed to phasing out the use of coal by 2025 in a bid to have net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, and this current situation may well provide a snapshot of how energy may be produced once coal is phased out. Furthermore, National Grid wants to operate a zero emission grid from 2025 whenever weather conditions permit.

It obviously remains to be seen how energy demand changes as the UK moves through the various stages of its lockdown exit strategy. However, it is hoped that the cleaner skies and much lower pollution levels observed and enjoyed by millions across the world will persuade governments to invest in cleaner energy and step up their plans for a zero carbon future.


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