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Clean Energy: UK Becomes First G7 Nation To Exit Coal Power

Published

2 years ago

September 30, 2024

The UK has closed the chapter on its 142-year history of coal-fired power, marking a symbolic and pivotal moment in the global shift towards cleaner energy.

As of 30 September 2024, the nation’s last coal power plant was decommissioned, making the UK the first G7 country to eliminate coal from its energy mix.

This move, occurring in the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, not only signals the end of an era but also reinforces the global momentum towards renewable energy sources, positioning solar and wind at the forefront of the future.

The closure comes as the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development countries have collectively halved their coal generation since its peak in 2007, driven by the rise of solar and wind energy.

According to a report released on Monday by Ember, an energy think tank, “Coal generation in OECD countries has fallen by 52% since its peak in 2007. This dramatic decline has been largely attributed to renewable energy sources. Wind and solar were responsible for 87 per cent of the fall in coal during this period,” noted Dave Jones, Global Insights Programme Director at Ember.

According to the report, the UK is the 14th OECD country to achieve a coal-free power system, with the remaining OECD nations aiming for full phase-out by 2030.

Coal’s role in the UK energy mix has been shrinking for years. In 2012, coal made up 40 per cent of UK electricity generation, but by 2019, it was just 2 per cent, a figure that has now dropped to zero.

Jones highlighted the significance of this transition: “Once, coal power was a byword for industrial growth. Now clean energy is being used to drive industrial growth.”
The UK becomes the first G7 nation to exit coal-fired power, reports Sky News.

“The country has been burning coal to generate electricity since 1882, but the last remaining plant, in Nottinghamshire, is being decommissioned as capacity from clean alternatives has allowed it.

“The final coal-fired power station left in the UK will be shut down later on Monday amid the transition to renewable energy.

“The closure of the Uniper-owned Ratcliffe-on-Soar power station in Nottinghamshire will bring to an end a 142-year history of burning fossil fuel to produce electricity in the country,” the agency reported.

Global Shift

The decline of coal in OECD countries is mirrored by similar movements globally, as emerging economies also pivot towards renewable energy. However, some countries have yet to see rapid declines.

Ember’s report noted that “Türkiye was the only OECD country to set a new coal power record in 2023.”

Meanwhile, nations like Japan and South Korea have seen only modest reductions in coal reliance.

Despite these outliers, the overall trend is clear: as Ember reports, “Three-quarters of OECD countries are targeting a coal phase-out by 2030.”

Renewable Future

As coal exits the stage, renewable energy sources are taking over. “The rapid growth of wind and solar energy is not only replacing coal but also preparing to meet the increase in electricity demand,” said Jones, referencing the rise in electric vehicles and heat pumps across OECD countries.

The UK’s final coal plant closure symbolises a crucial turning point in the global shift to cleaner energy. With solar and wind powering the future, coal’s role as a dominant energy source is quickly coming to an end.

The Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit, in an X post on Monday, also confirmed this.

“End of an era as Britain’s last coal-fired power plant shuts down. The UK’s 142-year history of coal-fired electricity ends as turbines at Ratcliffe-on-Soar plant in Nottinghamshire stop for good,” ECIU UK posted.

The PUNCH reports that Ember is an energy think tank that aims to accelerate the clean energy transition with data and policy. Ember is the trading name of Sandbag Climate Campaign CIC, a Community Interest Company registered in England & Wales #06714443. ‘Ember’ and ‘Sandbag’ are trademarks held at the United Kingdom and European Union Intellectual Property Offices.

Renewable, Clean Energy

Meanwhile, the G7 (Group of Seven) is an intergovernmental organisation consisting of seven of the world’s largest advanced economies: the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, and Japan. It meets annually to discuss global economic issues, international security, and policies related to trade, climate change, and other global challenges.

A renewable future refers to a shift towards energy systems powered primarily by renewable sources like solar, wind, and hydropower, instead of fossil fuels. It represents a sustainable path to reducing carbon emissions, combating climate change, and securing long-term energy independence for economies worldwide.

Likewise, clean energy refers to energy produced from sources that do not emit pollutants or greenhouse gases, such as solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal. It plays a crucial role in reducing environmental impact, promoting sustainability, and supporting global efforts to transition to a low-carbon economy.

PUNCH

Headline

FG Summons S. African Envoy Over Rising Xenophobic Attacks On Nigerians

Published

2 days ago

May 3, 2026

Editor

The Federal Government has summoned the Acting High Commissioner of South Africa in Abuja over renewed concerns about xenophobic attacks and protests targeting foreign nationals, including Nigerians, living in that country.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the envoy is expected at its headquarters on Monday, May 4, 2026, for a high-level engagement aimed at addressing the growing tension and safeguarding bilateral relations between both countries.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the spokesperson for the Ministry, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said Nigeria would formally express its “profound concern” over recent developments in South Africa, particularly reports of harassment, violence, and destruction of property belonging to foreign nationals.

According to the ministry, the meeting will focus on ongoing demonstrations by various groups in South Africa and documented cases of attacks on Nigerians and their businesses in parts of the country.

“The objective of this engagement is to formally convey the Nigerian Government’s profound concern regarding recent events that have the potential to impact the established cordial relations between Nigeria and South Africa,” the statement read.

It added that discussions would also address ongoing demonstrations by various groups within South Africa and documented instances of mistreatment of Nigerian citizens and attacks on their businesses.

The ministry acknowledged growing anger among Nigerians over reports of xenophobic violence but urged restraint, stressing that diplomatic engagement remained the preferred channel for resolution.

It assured Nigerians that the Federal Government was actively engaging South African authorities to ensure the protection of its citizens abroad.

“The Ministry is aware of the growing discontent among Nigerians concerning the treatment of their nationals in South Africa. Nevertheless, it implores the Nigerian public to remain calm and reiterates the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting the rights and well-being of Nigerian citizens residing in South Africa,” the statement added.

The latest diplomatic move comes amid renewed reports of xenophobic tensions in parts of South Africa, where foreign-owned businesses have occasionally been targeted during protests linked to unemployment and economic hardship.

South Africa has a history of xenophobic violence dating back to 2008, with subsequent flare-ups in 2015 and 2019, when mobs attacked migrants, looted shops, and displaced thousands of foreign nationals across several provinces.

In past incidents, Nigerians and other African nationals were among those affected, prompting strong diplomatic reactions from Abuja and calls for stronger protection of foreign communities.

While South African authorities have repeatedly condemned such attacks and deployed security forces to restore order during outbreaks of violence, concerns have persisted over recurring hostility in some communities.

Headline

Mississippi Man ‘Kills Mother, Flushes Her Remains Down Toilet’

Published

3 days ago

May 2, 2026

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A 29-year-old Mississippi man, Zachary Lavel Jackson Jr., has been charged with multiple offences, including first-degree murder, over the death of his mother, Lana Brown Bradley, after deputies responded to her Natchez home on April 4 following a missing person report from relatives.

The Adams County Sheriff’s Office said deputies were called to Bradley’s residence after her oldest son was unable to reach her the previous day.

Jackson was initially identified as a family member before investigators confirmed he was her son.

Sheriff Travis Patten described the case as deeply disturbing.“This is by far the most heinous crime that I’ve ever witnessed in my entire life. We weren’t out there that day; this was one of those things when we walked up.

“This was one of those cases that you will never, ever forget in your life. This is the type of case that follows you home,” Patten told WJTV.

According to the sheriff, deputies noticed signs of a recent cleanup when they arrived at the home.

“As soon as they walked in the house, they could just see where somebody had been cleaning up, and they could smell chemicals all throughout the house.

“Floor was extremely slippery. And the older son said that this is just unusual for the youngest son to be cleaning up the house like that,” Patten explained.

Jackson, the youngest son, was found in a bathroom, where deputies allegedly made a discovery that became central to the investigation.

“I can say what was in the toilet, and it was her flesh. He chopped her up in pieces and dismembered her in a way that whoever came looking for her would have to do their due diligence to find her, and that’s just what we did,” the sheriff said.

Authorities said Jackson allegedly placed parts of his mother’s body in a suitcase and attempted to dispose of other remains.

Jackson faces charges of first-degree murder, second-degree murder, mayhem and tampering with evidence.

Headline

Iran Says War With US May Resume As Trump Rejects Proposal

Published

3 days ago

May 2, 2026

Editor

Iran’s military has warned that the war with the United States and Israel could resume, declaring that it is fully prepared for any renewed confrontation as tensions between the sides continue to deepen.

In a statement reported by Iranian state-affiliated media, senior military officials said a return to hostilities is “likely”, citing what they described as Washington’s lack of commitment to previous agreements and negotiations.

The warning comes after US President Donald Trump expressed dissatisfaction with Iran’s latest peace proposal, saying the terms presented by Tehran included demands he “can’t agree to”.

According to officials in Tehran, Iran believes it showed flexibility during earlier negotiations, including talks held in Islamabad and during the ceasefire period. However, authorities argue that the United States has instead taken a tougher stance, widening the gap between both sides.

Iranian officials insist that key issues such as sanctions relief and the status of the Strait of Hormuz must be resolved before any broader agreement, including discussions around its nuclear programme, can progress. They also reject what they describe as US demands amounting to “surrender”.

The growing diplomatic deadlock has raised fears that another round of fighting may be imminent, with Iranian authorities indicating that preparations are already underway.

Meanwhile, the prolonged conflict continues to have far-reaching consequences within Iran. Internet monitoring group NetBlocks reports that the country has entered its 64th day of near-total internet disruption, effectively isolating it from global online networks.

The shutdown, which began after renewed anti-government protests earlier in the year and intensified following the outbreak of the war, has significantly disrupted businesses and livelihoods across the country.

Beyond Iran, the conflict is also reshaping global dynamics. Rising oil prices linked to the war have placed pressure on international markets, while geopolitical tensions have strained alliances, including between the United States and European partners.

As both sides remain far apart on key issues, analysts warn that without a breakthrough in negotiations, the fragile pause in fighting could collapse, paving the way for renewed military escalation in the region.