Plant Decommissioning

UK’s last coal-fired power plant closes its doors for the final time

UK’s last coal-fired power plant closes its doors for the final time
(Ratcliffe-on-Soar power station cooling towers. Image credit: Uniper)

Ratcliffe-on-Soar power station, near Nottingham UK, will today close its doors for the last time, marking the closure of the UK’s last coal-fired power plant.

The announcement was made by plant owner Uniper, which confirmed the power station would cease operating at midnight.

The plant began generating power in 1967 and according to the Uniper release, has produced enough energy to make more than 21 trillion cups of tea since commissioning.

January this year saw all four of Ratcliffe’s 500MW units run together for the last time. Since then, operations have been slowing down, with the last delivery of coal by train arriving in June.

The final delivery of coal in June 2024

Michael Lewis, CEO, Uniper commented on the closure in a statement: “For me, Ratcliffe has always been more than just a power station—it has been a pillar of the UK’s energy security for decades. Built during a time when coal was the backbone of industrial progress, Ratcliffe powered over two million homes and businesses—equivalent to the entire East Midlands region.

“It played a crucial role in boosting economic growth and supporting the livelihoods of thousands of people. This will be the first time since 1882 that coal has not powered Great Britain. As we close this chapter, we honor Ratcliffe’s legacy and the people working here, while embracing the future of cleaner and flexible energy. In this context, Uniper aims to invest in technologies like CCS, Renewables and hydrogen. The goal is to decarbonize our remaining power assets and to deliver low carbon fuel as well as green and reliable energy to our customers.”

Construction site. Image courtesy Uniper, Copyright
Abi Morrison

The UK’s last coal power plant was able to continue operating due to the technical advancements and modifications made over the years to reduce emissions. It was fitted with a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) emission control facility to reduce NOx emissions and was equipped with a Flue-Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) plant to remove sulphur dioxide from the exhaust flue gases before they enter the atmosphere.

Peter O’Grady, plant manager, Ratcliffe-on-Soar power station commented on the impact of the closure on the team, emphasizing the mixed emotions that accompany the milestone.

Said O’Grady: “It is an emotional day for me as well as for the team. When I started my career 36 years ago, none of us imaged a future without coal generation in our lifetimes. I am incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together over the years and to be part of this energy milestone as the country focuses on a cleaner energy future.”

Following closure, the site will go through a decommissioning process, which is expected to last around two years, before the site can be handed over to a demolition contractor.

The decommissioning process will remove hazards from each plant area such as bulk stored oils, chemicals and gases as well as removal of any bulk byproducts and wastes.

End of an era for the UK

Coal has been a mainstay of the UK’s economy since the 1800s, with the world’s first coal-fired power station set up in London in 1882.

In 2012, the UK was still generating around 40% of its electricity from coal, however, in 2017 the UK and Canada founded the Powering Past Coal Alliance (PPCA) to advance the transition away from coal, which was followed by the launch of the Clean Power Alliance by UK Foreign Secretary, David Lammy.

Ed Matthew, campaigns director at independent climate change think tank E3G, commented in a statement on the closure of Ratcliffe-on-Soar: “The UK was the first country to build a coal-fired power station. It is right that it is the first major economy to exit coal power. This is true global leadership, lighting the path for other countries to follow.

“The UK will now focus on rapidly eliminating unabated gas from its power system and oil from transport. The clean energy revolution is in full swing and the prize will be cheaper, more secure and less polluting power and a chance to end the climate crisis.”

Originally published in Power Engineering International by Pamela Largue.