UK wind power overtakes coal for first time

Green groups hail analysis showing collapse in coal due to power station closures and rising carbon taxes

Windfarms across the UK generated more electricity in 2016 than coal power plants for the first time, according to an analyst's estimates.

Three major coal power stations closed last year, causing coal electricity generation to plummet to 9.2%, down from 22.6% in 2015. Wind power provided 11.5% of generation in 2016, slightly down from 12% in 2015.