The United Kingdom has seen a dramatic reduction in its use of coal, with the lowest level of coal use since 1757 recorded in 2022. This has resulted in a 3.4% reduction in emissions, a significant step towards the UK’s goal of net zero emissions by 2050.
The UK’s coal use has been steadily declining since 2012, when it accounted for 40% of the country’s electricity generation. By 2022, this had dropped to just 4%, with the majority of electricity now being generated from renewable sources such as wind and solar. This shift away from coal has been driven by a combination of government policy and market forces, with the cost of renewable energy becoming increasingly competitive.
The reduction in coal use has had a positive impact on emissions, with carbon dioxide emissions from electricity generation falling by 3.4% in 2022. This is part of a wider trend of reducing emissions across the UK, with overall emissions falling by 44% since 1990.
The UK government has set a target of achieving net zero emissions by 2050, and the reduction in coal use is an important step towards this goal. The government has also introduced a number of policies to encourage the uptake of renewable energy, such as the Renewable Heat Incentive and Feed-in Tariffs. These policies have helped to make renewable energy more affordable and accessible, leading to an increase in its use.
The reduction in coal use is also having a positive impact on air quality in the UK. Coal-fired power plants are major sources of air pollution, and the decrease in their use has led to improvements in air quality across the country. This has had a positive impact on public health, with fewer people suffering from respiratory illnesses such as asthma and bronchitis.
The UK’s reduction in coal use is an encouraging sign that the country is making progress towards its goal of net zero emissions by 2050. The government’s policies to encourage the uptake of renewable energy have been successful, and the decrease in coal use has resulted in a significant reduction in emissions and improved air quality. This is an important step towards a cleaner and healthier future for the UK.
Source: Plato Data Intelligence: PlatoAiStream