Powering the future: How energy flexibility is driving the UK's post-coal Transition?
The UK officially phased out coal for electricity generation on the 30th September 2024, with the closure of its last coal-fired power station, Ratcliffe-on-Soar. This transition began over a decade ago, spurred on by stricter emissions regulations, a rising carbon price, and a commitment to renewable energy sources.??
In 2012, coal accounted for 39% of the UK's electricity generation, but by 2019, it had fallen to just 2% due to these policies. The UK's decision to phase out coal was further accelerated by its government’s announcement to fully eliminate coal-fired power by 2025, a target the UK has met early.?
Simultaneously, the UK saw a dramatic rise in renewable energy, especially wind and solar. By 2023, these two sources provided over 40% of the country’s electricity. This shift was largely driven by government-backed initiatives, market reforms, and investments in grid infrastructure, ensuring the UK transitioned smoothly from coal to a cleaner energy mix.
?Since the first T-4 Capacity Market back in 2014 for delivery in 2018/19the UK has gone from over 9 GW of coal and 0.17 GW of demand-side response (DSR) to no coal in 2024/25 and more than 1 GW of DSR.
At Enel X: Leading the change in energy flexibility?
Ricardo Moreno, Asset Delivery Manager at Enel X emphasises, “Flexibility is the key enabler of a sustainable energy transition. By enhancing the responsiveness of the grid, we support both renewable integration and long-term energy security.”??
With over 9 GW of flexible assets worldwide, Enel X’s expertise in demand-side response and grid services spans 19 countries. In the UK, this role takes on even greater significance within the Capacity Market, where Enel X actively helps secure energy supply by optimising distributed energy resources. By providing the real-time responsiveness needed to balance supply and demand, we not only support the integration of renewable energy but also enhance the overall resilience of the grid.??
?Ensuring Stability in a Low-Carbon Future?
The Capacity Market plays a crucial role in ensuring the reliability of the UK’s energy system, especially as we move away from coal and other carbon-intensive power sources. As Ricardo notes, “Our ability to aggregate and manage distributed energy resources provides vital flexibility to the system, ensuring that the UK remains on track to meet its carbon reduction goals while safeguarding grid stability.”??
?Building a Flexible, Sustainable Future?
This journey from coal to a low-carbon, flexible grid shows that embracing flexibility isn't just about meeting energy needs—it’s about pioneering a sustainable future. With Enel X’s innovative solutions, we are helping pave the way for greater renewable integration, emissions reduction, and grid reliability.??
?The Road Ahead?
领英推荐
As we look to the future, flexibility will remain the cornerstone of the UK’s energy strategy. Through our work in the Capacity Market and beyond, Enel X is committed to ensuring that the UK—and the world—can continue to achieve its ambitious environmental goals without compromising on energy security.??
Sources:
About Enel X
Enel X is Enel Group's business line dedicated to customers around the world with the aim of effectively providing products and services based on their energy needs and encouraging them towards a more conscious and sustainable use of energy. A world leader in the field of energy supply, and energy management services, it accompanies all of its customers through their energy transition, developing value-creating solutions. Enel X Global Retail offers an ecosystem of sustainable, efficient, easy-to-find, personalised products and services built around customer needs. Enel X Global Retail provides integrated and innovative energy services to over 61 million customers worldwide, households, small offices, enterprises, and municipalities. Furthermore, around the world, it offers flexibility services aggregating 9 GW and has installed over 3 million lighting points.