Energy
Coal generated 39% of Britain's electricity in 2012 and 0.6% in 2024
The first public coal power station opened in 1882. The last coal plant closed on 30 September 2024.
By the data desk
Coal's share of generation fell from 65% in 1990 to 0.6% in 2024
Share of Great Britain's electricity generated from coal, 1990 to 2024
Coal's share fell in two periods. It fell from 65% to 35% between 1990 and 1998, when generators built gas plants. It fell from 39% to 9% between 2012 and 2016, after the carbon price floor was introduced.
1882The first public coal power station opens in London
Thomas Edison's company built the plant at Holborn Viaduct. It supplied street lamps and nearby buildings.
1990sCoal's share falls from 65% to 35% between 1990 and 1998
Privatised generators built gas plants, which were cheaper and quicker to build than coal plants. Coal's share was between 28% and 39% from 1998 to 2013.
April 2013The carbon price floor takes effect
The floor set a minimum price on power-station emissions. The rate doubled in 2015. Coal's share fell from 22% in 2015 to 9% in 2016.
Coal share of generation, 2012 to 2016
21 April 2017The first full day without coal since 1882
Britain had 1 coal-free day in 2017. It had 180 in 2020.
Coal-free days per year
30 September 2024Ratcliffe-on-Soar, the last coal plant, shuts down
The plant had run since 1968. In 2024 wind generated 30% of the country's electricity and gas generated 26%.
Coal share of generation since October 20240%Britain was the first G7 country to end coal power
Coal generated 0.6% of Britain's electricity in 2024, all of it before 30 September. Gas generated 26%.