Energy, Scotland demolishes last coal-fired power plant and targets net zero by 2045

The Longannet plant has been in operation for over 47 years, burning coal from around the world.

Scotland recently demolished its last coal-fired power plant, ending the country’s fossil fuel regime with a real “bang” after decades of reliance on a high-emissions element. he brings it back CleanTechnica Website,
“This event is a symbolic reminder: we have ended coal-fired electricity generation in Scotland, and we are working to become a zero-carbon nation by 2045”. So did the Scottish Prime Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, shortly after pressing the button that triggered the explosives. “Our goal – the added sturgeon – is to generate 50% of total energy from renewable sources by 2030. Scotland is well on its way to making significant investments in renewable energy, hydrogen and energy storage as needed to achieve this goal”.

Demolition with 700 kg of explosives

The tallest part of the power plant, called the Longnet Chimney, measured over 600 feet (183 m) and was the largest freestanding structure in Scotland. It was also once the largest power plant in the whole of Europe. Other stations have overtaken it over the years, but it remained the largest coal-fired station in Scotland until 2016 when it closed. She remained like a coal ghost for the next 5 years, until Scottishpower decided to use explosives to carry out controlled demolition.
The prepared 700 kg of explosives destroyed the tower, officially closing the history of coal in the country. Since 2016, ScottishPower has been producing only renewable energy from wind and solar farms.

Longnet, a 47 year long story

“At COP26 in Glasgow we were proud to show the world that Scotland has already made coal history. As a 100% energy company, we are committed to helping the UK end its reliance on fossil fuels,” said ScottishPower Chief Executive Officer Keith Anderson. “For half a century the Longnet Chimney dominated the skyline of the Firth of Forth (an inlet formed by the mouth of the Forth River on the east coast of Scotland); we have now said goodbye to that landmark, but it is an important day for Scotland as well. Seeing the smoke plume from Scotland’s last coal-fired power plant today is a real milestone as Britain moves away from the big, polluting power plants of the past and accelerates on the zero-emissions road. We know that transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy is essential to mitigating the worst effects of global warming and tackling the climate emergency.”
The Longannet plant has operated for more than 47 years, burning coal from around the world. It typically consumed 4 million tonnes of coal a year and, at full production, was capable of producing enough electricity to power two million homes.