In the News Teaching Activity – the UK’s last coal-fired power station shuts (Oct 2024)

The UK has become the first G7 nation to end the use of coal-fired power.

The UK has shut down its final coal-fired power station, Ratcliffe-on-Soar, marking the end of a 142-year reliance on coal for electricity generation. The UK opened its first coal power plant in 1882 and since then the UK has used 4.6bn tonnes of coal emitting more CO2 than most countries ever have! The closure reflects the nation's shift toward renewable energy sources like solar and wind. Coal once provided 80% of the UK’s power, but its use has dwindled to less than 1% in recent years. While this transition combats climate change, it has contributed to high energy costs for the UK. The UK aims for net-zero emissions from electricity by 2030.

UK becomes first G7 nation to exit coal-fired power | Business News | Sky News

1. What is the role of coal in electricity generation, and why has the UK phased out its use?

2. How does the transition from coal to renewable energy sources, as described in the article, relate to the concept of externalities in economics?

3. Discuss the potential economic impact of higher energy costs on UK industries, particularly manufacturing, and how this might affect the country's global competitiveness.