Official announcements from the UK government or major news outlets

UK Closes Last Coal Plant, Launches Clean Energy Drive; Relies on EU Imports Amid Security Concerns

Oct 8, 2024, 01:43 AM

The United Kingdom has officially ended 142 years of coal power generation by closing its last remaining coal plant last Monday. Following this historic milestone, the government launched a new clean energy industry initiative last Friday, promising thousands of new jobs to further advance the nation's commitment to renewable energy sources. As the country transitions away from coal, it will rely on imports of electricity from Europe to meet peak demand times. Despite concerns that UK energy security is now totally dependent on imported gas and that the construction industry relies entirely on imported steel, reports indicate that the risk of winter blackouts in Great Britain is at its lowest in four years. Additionally, analysts note that China has the global market for solar panels, wind turbines, and electric vehicles "stitched up," which may impact the UK's clean energy ambitions.