Skip Navigation

The UK’s journey to a coal power phase-out. The UK’s era of coal-free power begins on the 1st October 2024

ember-climate.org The UK’s journey to a coal power phase-out

The UK’s era of coal-free power begins on the 1st October 2024, after a rapid 12-year decline which has seen power sector emissions plummet by three quarters.

The UK’s journey to a coal power phase-out

"The UK’s era of coal-free power begins on the 1st October 2024, following a rapid decline over the last 12 years which has seen power sector emissions plummet by three quarters."

"This report provides an overview of the UK coal power phase-out, looking at changes in electricity generation since 2012 when coal began to rapidly decline. It provides context on how phase-out was achieved through a mix of initiatives and policy frameworks, and considers how this can inform the next chapter of UK power sector decarbonisation."

"Coal power provided almost 40% of UK generation in 2012, shrinking to 2% by 2019, and finally falling to zero by October 2024. In 2012, coal generated 143 TWh of electricity, equivalent to Sweden’s total power demand in 2023."

2