UK Coal Power Ends: A Bold Shift to Giant Batteries

As of September 30, 2024, the UK’s last coal-fired power station, Ratcliffe-on-Soar, shut down for good. Located in Nottinghamshire, this closure marks the end of an era in British energy, as no more coal will be used to generate electricity in the country. Ratcliffe-on-Soar had been in operation since 1967, but its turbines will now fall silent, and the once iconic chimneys will no longer belch smoke. This historic moment signifies the UK’s continued journey toward decarbonisation, aiming for net-zero emissions.

For centuries, coal powered the UK’s industrial revolution, providing the energy for steam engines and generating electricity. By the 1960s, nearly 90% of the UK’s electricity came from coal. However, today, the nation has transitioned to cleaner energy sources, particularly wind, solar, and other renewable options.

The question now arises: what happens to old fossil fuel sites like Ratcliffe-on-Soar? The UK and many other countries are exploring options for repurposing these sites. One promising solution is transforming former coal plants into battery energy storage systems (BESS).

Repurposing Old Coal Plants

Renewable energy is crucial to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. However, one challenge with renewables like solar and wind is their intermittency. Solar power depends on the sun shining, while wind power relies on favorable wind conditions. This makes managing energy supply and demand tricky, unlike coal and gas plants that can be dispatched whenever energy is needed.

A solution to this problem is energy storage. Battery energy storage systems (BESS) are emerging as one of the best ways to store excess energy when renewables generate more electricity than needed and then release it during periods of high demand.

One excellent example of this transition is happening at Ferrybridge in West Yorkshire. A former coal-fired power station, Ferrybridge is now being transformed into a large BESS site. With a capacity of 150 megawatts, the batteries can power approximately 250,000 homes. This transformation utilizes the old grid connections from the coal plant, repurposing concrete foundations and infrastructure already in place, making it a sustainable choice.

The Benefits of BESS

Battery energy storage systems bring several advantages. First, they provide a way to store excess energy from renewable sources, ensuring that electricity is available even when the wind isn’t blowing or the sun isn’t shining. They also help stabilize the grid, making sure the energy supply can meet demand.

In addition to Ferrybridge, other UK coal sites are being repurposed into BESS facilities. For instance, Fiddler’s Ferry in Warrington, Cheshire, is also being transformed into a 150-megawatt battery site. The aim is to reuse these defunct sites while contributing to the UK’s decarbonisation targets.

Globally, countries like Germany, Australia, and the US are following similar pathways. In Germany’s Lusatia region, a former lignite coal plant will become a green energy hub. In Australia, the Liddell Power Station is set to transform into the Liddell Battery by 2025, while in Nevada, the former Reid Gardner coal plant has already been repurposed into a battery storage site.

The Future of BESS in the UK

For the UK to meet its ambitious decarbonization targets, many more battery storage systems will be required. Currently, the UK has 4.7 gigawatts of battery storage capacity, but it needs to increase this number to at least 29 gigawatts by 2050 to meet energy storage demands.

Repurposing old coal plants like Ferrybridge offers an ideal solution. Not only does it provide much-needed battery storage, but it also allows for the reuse of valuable grid connections and infrastructure, reducing the need for new construction.

As the UK continues to phase out coal, the rise of battery energy storage systems will be key in ensuring a smooth transition to a greener, carbon-free energy future. Projects like Ferrybridge highlight the growing potential of turning yesterday’s fossil fuel plants into tomorrow’s energy storage hubs.

The closure of the UK’s last coal-fired power station is a major step toward a cleaner, more sustainable future. By repurposing these old power plants as BESS facilities, the UK is ensuring that renewable energy can be efficiently stored and used to power homes when needed. With ambitious decarbonisation targets to meet, the rise of battery energy storage will play a vital role in achieving net-zero emissions.