UK to see first coal-free day since Industrial Revolution

The UK is set to run a full day without coal since the start of the Industrial Revolution. According to National Grid, today is likely to be the first ever […]

The UK is set to run a full day without coal since the start of the Industrial Revolution.

According to National Grid, today is likely to be the first ever working day in Britain without coal.

There have been periods with zero coal before but never for a full 24 hours. Yesterday, the UK went without coal for 19 hours and today is expected to be longer.

National Grid added there are no plans to bring on a coal unit today but this could change if there is an unplanned plant failure.

The last coal-fired power station to be switched off the network was West Burton 1 at 10.50pm last night.

The bulk of the generation is currently coming from combined cycle gas turbines.

Director of System Operator Cordi O’Hara said: “To have the first working day without coal since the start of the Industrial Revolution will be a watershed moment in how our energy system is changing. The UK benefits from highly diverse and flexible sources of electricity.

“Our energy mix continues to change and National Grid adapts system operation to embrace these changes. However, it’s important to remember coal is still an important source of energy as we transition to a low carbon system.”

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