The UK government said legislation will be introduced to restrict licences for new coal mines as it embraces a clean energy future.
Britain became the first major economy to stop burning coal for power in October, with the closure of the country’s last coal-fired power station at Ratcliffe on Soar, following 50 years of service. This means coal has gone from generating around 40% of the UK’s electricity supply in 2012 to 0%.
The government’s plan to prevent future coal mining is another step in its mission to make Britain a clean energy superpower.
“By consigning coal power to the past, we can pave the way for a clean, secure energy system that will protect billpayers and create a new generation of skilled workers,” said Energy Minister Michael Shanks. The government has set up the Office for Clean Energy Jobs to help workers access UK-wide job opportunities.
The government also confirmed that 120,000 former mineworkers will receive a 32% boost to their pensions, as £1.5 billion of money that was kept from their pensions is handed over to their schemes, ensuring those who powered the country for decades finally get the just rewards from their labour.
Source: UK government