Rapid decline of coal use leads to drop in UK emissions

Figures show a 4% reduction in the national annual emissions of carbon dioxide, with coal now burning at its lowest level in at least 150 years

Plummeting coal use in 2015 led to a fall of 4% in the UK's annual carbon dioxide emissions, according to government energy statistics published on Thursday. Coal is now burning at its lowest level in at least 150 years.

The closing of old polluting coal-power stations and the rapid rise in renewable energy meant coal consumption fell by 22% compared to 2014, the biggest drop ever seen outside of miners' strikes, according to analysts at Carbon Brief. Production of coal in the UK also fell to a new record low, dropping by 27% due to mines closing.