No more UK coal

The UK Government intends to introduce legislation to prevent new coal mining licences as part of its clean energy transition efforts.

The government said it would unveil the new law to restrict the future licensing of new coal mines ‘as soon as possible,’ describing it as a ‘crucial step’ to tackling climate change.

Coal power remains the largest source of energy-related CO₂ emissions globally.

Britain became the first major economy to stop burning coal for power in October, with the closure of the country’s last coal-fired power station at Ratcliffe on Soar, following 50 years of service. It means coal has gone from generating around 40% of the UK’s electricity supply in 2012 to 0%.  

Energy Minister Michael Shanks says, ‘Coal mining powered this country for over 140 years and we owe a huge debt to workers who kept the lights on for homes and businesses across the country'.