After 140 years, today marks the end of coal-powered electricity generation in the UK, with the shutting of Ratcliffe-on-Soar, the last coal fired power station in the UK.
Green councillor for Newtown and St Leonard’s, Andy Ketchin, formerly worked in the electricity industry. He said:
“I look back and see how far we’ve come with the transition in the power industry since I played my part in the 1990’s. It shows big change is possible. It should also mark an end of the “can’t do” culture which seems to have taken hold in Labour-run Exeter City Council. We need to achieve brave and bold changes for the city to meet Net Zero.”
Cllr Ketchin went on to say:
“Today is a watershed moment in tackling the climate crisis.
“Coal powered our industrial revolution, created thousands of jobs and built communities. We now need to embrace the Green Industrial Revolution, one that creates new jobs in the maturing green sectors of the economy. This will be a vital test for the new Labour government and whether it is committed to the green transformation of every sector of our economy. It must prioritise re-skilling and training in communities that face job losses as we move away from fossil fuels.
“Today’s landmark should also serve as a reminder of the role Exeter must play in this transition. Under pressure from Green councillors, the city declared a climate emergency and a commitment to reach Net Zero by 2030. It is clear we are way off target.
“The Labour-led council must end its ‘too difficult, too complicated, too hard’ excuse culture, which has put decarbonisation projects like the RAMM and Riverside Pool on the back burner. The council needs to embrace a “can do” culture, for the brave and bold changes we need to see – especially on housing, planning and waste and recycling.”