UK makes game-changing move to end coal mining after 142 years of history
British government blocks new coal-mine licenses marking end to 142-year coal power history. Energy Secretary **Ed Miliband** pushes clean-power agenda while steel industry faces supply chain re-thinking
In a ground-breaking shift Ed Miliband leads UKʼs push to stop new coal-mine permits which marks the end of a 142-year coal-powered legacy. The last power station (Ratcliffe-on-Soar) closed its doors this fall - a site that used to make enough power for 2-million plus homes
The decision shows major difference from previous governments choices: back in Dec-22 Michael Gove okʼd a deep-coal mine near Whitehaven. This project meant to supply steel-making materials but Labour didnt fight when High Court blocked it after climate groups stepped in
- Steel makers Tata and British Steel plan low-carbon methods
- UK moved from total coal power dependence to zero use
- Coal provided 40% of UK power about 12 years ago
Energy minister Michael Shanks points to UKs new path: “Our country ran on coal for over 140-years and those workers deserve our thanks; now we can lead global coal phase-out“ He sees this change bringing skilled jobs and better energy costs (while making UK first big economy dropping coal power)
Coal mining powered this country for over 140 years and we owe a huge debt to workers who kept the lights on
