The last coal power plant shut down!
After 142 years, the United Kingdom (UK) has stopped using coal to make electricity. The last coal power plant, Ratcliffe-on-Soar, has been closed. It’s a huge step in the UK’s fight against climate change!
Energy Minister Michael Shanks said the UK was the first to use coal power, and now it’s the first big country to stop. By 2030, they want all their energy to come from clean energy sources like wind and solar. Isn’t that cool?
Where does most of the UK’s energy come from?
Did you know that more than half of Britain’s electricity comes from clean energy like wind and solar power? The rest is made from natural gas and nuclear energy.
In the 1990s, coal provided about 80% of the electricity. Over time, this percentage decreased, and with the recent shutdown, it will become zero. Yay for clean energy!
Harmful effects of using coal power.
A coal power plant makes electricity by burning coal. The steam from burning coal spins a big wheel called a turbine to produce power. But coal is very dirty and bad for the Earth. It releases greenhouse gases that can make people sick and harm the planet.
When coal is burned, it also creates coal ash, which can pollute water and hurt animals and people. That’s why many countries are using cleaner energy like wind and solar power.
In India, coal power plants still make a lot of electricity, but the government plans to use less coal over time to help fight climate change.
