The end of an era

What the closure of the UK’s last coal-fired power station means – and why it’s a major milestone in the country’s transition to Net Zero.

On 1 October 2024, the furnaces at Ratcliffe-on-Soar Power Station, in Nottinghamshire, were shut down for good. The station’s turbines whirred to a stop, and its eight enormous cooling towers puffed their last clouds of steam.

The decommissioning of Britain’s last coal-fired power station marked the end of over 140 years of coal-fuelled electricity generation in the UK and was a major milestone in the country’s transition to a cleaner future.

Why is it important?

The closure of the last coal-fired power station is a significant step towards achieving the UK’s goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Coal power has been a major source of carbon emissions, contributing to climate change and air pollution. Phasing out coal and moving towards cleaner, more sustainable energy sources, such as wind, solar, and nuclear power, has drastically reduced the UK’s carbon footprint.

What does this mean for schools?

• Educational Opportunities – This transition provides a unique learning opportunity for students to understand the importance of sustainable energy and the impact of fossil fuels on the environment. Schools can incorporate lessons on renewable energy, climate change, and sustainability into their curriculum.
• Energy Efficiency – Schools can take inspiration from this national shift to evaluate their own energy usage. Implementing energy-saving measures such as LED lighting, energy-efficient appliances, and better insulation can reduce a school’s carbon footprint and save on energy costs.
• Renewable Energy Projects – Schools can explore the possibility of installing renewable energy sources like solar panels. Not only does this reduce reliance on non-renewable energy, but it also serves as a practical demonstration of renewable energy in action for students.
• Eco-friendly Initiatives – Encouraging eco-friendly practices such as recycling, reducing waste, and promoting sustainable transportation (like walking, cycling, or car sharing) can help schools contribute to net-zero.

The closure of the UK’s last coal-fired power station is a landmark event in the fight against climate change. For schools, it is an opportunity to educate and inspire the next generation about the importance of sustainability and the role they can play in creating a greener future. By embracing renewable energy and eco-friendly practices, schools can lead by example and contribute to the UK’s net-zero ambitions.

Campaigns and Other Resources

Members can access the Zero Carbon & Climate Change lesson plans to help your school with net zero actions, including energy audits and adding sustainability to your curriculum.

Non-members can access the free resources, including the Climate Justice Case Study.

There are campaigns coming up this Autumn, perfect for schools to get involved with and include as part of your Climate Action Plan. These can also be found through the interactive calendar members can access via the dashboard.

Key dates include:

• Thursday 31^st October – World Cities Day
• Month of November – Cut Your Carbon Month
• 10^th-14^th November – The Earthshot Prize
• 11^th-22^nd November – COP29