Commenting on the planned closure of Ratcliffe-on-Soar coal power station on Monday, the UK’s last coal plant still in operation, Greenpeace UK’s policy director Dr Doug Parr said:
“This plant’s closure marks the final chapter of a century-and-a-half history of coal burning in the UK. Just over a decade ago, coal made up nearly two-fifths of UK electricity generation but the rapid advance of renewables has made it obsolete. Britain has set an example the rest of the world must follow if we are to stop the devastation caused by the climate crisis and toxic air pollution.
“That the UK has now exited from coal is a tribute to so many in the climate movement who have campaigned for this moment for nearly 20 years. There are further battles to be had to phase out oil and gas, fulfilling the promise by all countries at COP28 to transition away from fossil fuels.
“However we must also learn from the UK coal story and recognise that this transition needs to be done with proactive support to affected communities and workers so they’re not left economically stranded. In Ratcliffe’s case, unions and the employer sat down together to make a transition plan for all workers at the station. It’s vital that the UK government plans ahead with serious investment in clean technologies, retraining for workers and a transition plan for every region.”
ENDS
Contact: Greenpeace UK news team at press.uk@greenpeace.org and on 020 7865 8255