Sian Crampsie
The Longannet coal-fired power plant in Scotland has switched off its four generating units for the last time, Scottish Power has said.
The closure is part of plans to comply with new EU emission rules and marks the end of coal-fired power generation in Scotland. Scottish Power said that the plant's last day of operation was "a sad day for everyone" at the company and that it had "contributed more electricity for the national grid than any other power station in Scotland's history.
It added that it would outline plans for the 2400 MW Longannet site by the end of the year.
Concerns have been raised about the impact of coal-fired power plant closures on electricity generating margins in the UK. Nearly 7 GW of capacity is expected to come offline from April 2016, including units at Fiddler's Ferry, Rugeley and Ferrybridge.
In addition to environmental requirements, deteriorating trading conditions for coal-fired power plants have also contributed to decisions to close them.
Longannet had operated for 46 years and over the last winter had been "essential" to meeting electricity needs in Scotland, Scottish Power said.
WWF said that together, Longannet, Rugeley, Eggborough, Fiddler's Ferry and Ferrybridge power stations account for five per cent of all UK carbon emissions. It added that the closures were "good news for the climate and for people's health" and called on the government to set out a "clear path" for the power sector based on renewable energy and energy efficiency.
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