The UK government has announced the introduction of legislation to restrict the licenses for new coal mines, positioning it as one of the first countries to limit the expansion of coal mining in favor of clean energy. 

Limited exceptions to the ban may be required for safety or restoration purposes. An exemption is also anticipated to protect the historical rights of free miners to exploit their own resources in the Forest of Dean. 

In October, Great Britain became the first major economy to stop burning coal to generate electricity, with the closure of the country’s last coal-fired power plant at Ratcliffe on Soar after 50 years of service. This means that coal's contribution to the UK’s electricity supply has dropped from around 40% in 2012 to 0%. 

Energy Minister Michael Shanks noted that “as the coal era ends, the era of clean energy is approaching, and the government is committed to making unprecedented investments in clean local energy in the UK, including carbon capture and hydrogen.” 

The independent National Energy System Operator (NESO) recently confirmed that achieving clean energy by 2030 is feasible and can unlock cheaper and more secure electricity. 

According to government information, a priority is the creation of hundreds of thousands of new jobs across the UK and the revitalization of the country’s industrial centers. 

Supporting workers in the transition from coal to clean energy 

Shanks stated that coal mining powered the UK for more than 140 years, and that “we owe a huge debt to the workers who kept the lights on in homes and businesses across the country.” 

To support workers affected by the closure of coal plants, the government has created the Clean Energy Jobs Office, designed to help the next generation of skilled workers access job opportunities across the UK as part of the government’s clean energy superpower mission. 

Unions worked closely with Ratcliffe, owner of Soar, Uniper, on a strong severance package that included identifying opportunities for plant staff, such as internal transfers, roles in external companies, and training courses. 

This follows confirmation that 120.000 former miners will receive a 32% increase in their pensions, with 1.5 billion pounds in withheld pension funds to be delivered to their plans, ensuring that those who powered the country for decades will finally receive fair rewards for their work.