Closure of Ratcliffe-on-Soar marks the end of an era and is a symbol that we are firmly on the path to net zero

The UK’s last coal fired power station Ratcliffe-on-Soar is to stop generating today marking a major milestone on the path to net zero.

The power station, currently operated by Uniper, has been in operation since 1968.

Sue Ferns, Senior Deputy General Secretary of leading energy union Prospect, said:

“The closure of Ratcliffe-on-Soar marks the end of an era and is a symbol that we are firmly on the path to net zero.

“Workers at the station, and everyone in the surrounding area, is rightly proud of the contribution they have made to the well-being of their neighbours, powering their everyday needs.

“It will also be a day of mixed emotions for workers, many of whom have spent their entire working lives at Ratcliffe.

“As the economy transitions to low carbon there is much to be learned from this process, with skilled workers being managed into parallel industries or renewable generation where their skills are equally valuable. We must never forget the people who have made keeping the lights on their life’s work.

“It is vital that the government steps up and supports the clean energy infrastructure, jobs and skills communities need if there is a going to be a just transition to a low carbon economy.”