Britain’s last coal-fired power station to close: comment

"This is a British success story overseen by successive governments of different stripes. There were those who warned of blackouts as coal disappeared from the power system, but their predictions of doom have been proven wrong again and again.

"Today, the expansion of renewables like offshore wind in UK waters is increasingly squeezing gas off the grid, which will help to stabilise prices and boost our energy security in the face of volatile international gas markets. We reached a record proportion of renewable generation in quarter two of this year, showing that the transition is well and truly underway. [2]

"The phase out is a reminder that for all the country’s current challenges, we can show leadership to the world and can cut not only our own domestic emissions, but by kickstarting industries like offshore wind help to cut carbon right around the world. The example the UK sets matters."